Something people don’t talk about is selfishness and greed that we all feel- not in one another, but in ourselves. That we put ourselves higher, our confidence is loud, and our expectations of ourselves in society are huge. This goes back to placement night for Young Life. I felt totally, completely, not called to young life- this whole calling people were proclaiming, I was empty. I still went through the paper, interview, and placement... with no clarity. I chose middle school, hopefully nearby, with a strong young life program already in place. For some reason, on placement night for young life, God decided that I was to be on a team that ministered to high schoolers in a different county where young life had NEVER been done... and was in complete shock, because it was the literal exact opposite of what I had believed I was supposed to do. So what did I do? I ran from placement, back to my dorm, all the while thinking, “This must be a sign, that this is not what I am supposed to do- right?” as I ran, I gained clarity. I was reminded that Jesus has such big plans for me, a plan greater than the one I had believed for myself. He believes that I, as little as I am, am called higher and farther than I imagined- that He believes I am equipped for such a task as great and worthy as this, humbling me.
What replaced the anxiety, anger, and confusion, was pure joy, excitement, and determination- a calling that I finally recognized. To spread the gospel to teens that were lost and confused in this world full and thick with sin, to call them higher and farther in to the love that God has for them. That right there was where joy lies- to teach kids- let them know they were loved, wanted, created by a Father that knew the depth of all their sins, the number of hairs on their head and the steps they’ve taken, where they’ve gone and where they’ll go- I want to be the example of that love. For the high school kid, I was, furthest from Christ- thank you to my leader for loving me in a Christ way- refraining from judgement, but showering me with love mirroring direction in the way I should walk- pushing me to go to camp, where real life and meaning were found- I want to be you. I want to encourage others to love as Christ did- and be that person for teens, as you were to me. The journey of being a leader is challenging- it will challenge my faith, make me angry at the show of no results at times, but it is worth it- to show high schoolers the immense love this Father has, what it means to love and know a God that has no limits of His love and grace. And I am in complete awe of this plan and what He has in store for these kids through me. So a reminder his plans prevail over yours and they are designed exactly for you with a purpose in mind. His plan will prevail over yours, and His is so much better than the plan you made out for yourself. Trust in him, these truth’s, and in that you will find joy and life, purpose and calmness.
