"I now understand that it's not about being the "perfect example", it's about being like Christ."

Dear Starting Point Youth Group,

Now that I have graduated from high school and have made my transition into college, I have come to the realization that I miss you all so much! There are absolutely no words to describe the amount of sadness that I feel every Wednesday night from six to eight thirty in the evening. I am always thinking about how what message Pastor Brian is preaching about that night or about how the snack shop people are doing (because I used to help with the snack shop). Being a part of Starting Point Youth Group was one of the best things to ever happen to me.

When I left home, I was immediately overwhelmed with a sense of sadness and remorse for leaving home. It is not that I did not like college or anything, but it was because I was leaving all of my friends back at home. When it finally hit me that I would not be returning home for awhile, I immediate thought of you guys (my "yutes") and how I was not a part of the youth group anymore. I was officially a young adult. Knowing this, I did not want to leave because I would be expected to be an example to all of you younger ones. I wasn't exactly sure about how I would be able to live up to the expectations of the previous high school graduates from the year before. I now understand that it's not about being the "perfect example", it's about being like Christ. I don't have to compare my life to the others around me.

My hope for all of you is that you will remain strong in your faith and always stay true to yourselves. There is always going to be that one person or teacher in high school who will stop at nothing to try to dull your sparkle. Never let that happen! Pray often and let the light of God shine through you! I miss you all so much and can't wait to see most of you again over my Thanksgiving break!! Love you all and God bless!

Love,

Rach <3