When I think of a youth pastor, I think of an open wooden door leading into a room with a desk piled with papers; I picture a smile that rarely fades, paired with frequent fist bumps and high fives given out to the youth. There is sustained, joyous laughter that echoes through the second floor of the church building when they stand in front of the youth on a Wednesday night. A seat is always open in their office to pour out every anxiety, or even just to talk about today's happening. Sometimes we take for granted how fortunate we are to have these kinds of people in our lives, and I hope that this might serve as a reminder to them that they are so loved and appreciated.

This is for the man who drove back home from a junior high retreat just to be with our family for our mother's visitation. When I think about the six years you led us, I cannot help but grin. You gave me the chance to do more than just paint houses in Mississippi on mission trips, you gave me the opportunity to claim the youth group as my home. I think I ate more Little Caesar's during those years than I ever did before, but I would not trade that experience for anything. "How He Loves" now holds a special place in my heart, along with all the traditions you carried with you. You were the shoulder to cry on when nothing seemed to make sense. I could come to youth group and experience healing and redemption. Every part of your family brightened my day and would be there for us in an instant. Your selflessness is something I aspire to have. Nothing will ever compare to the classic playlist of songs we would listen to and from mission trip destinations, and stopping at Bumpers or Zaxby's during breaks.

This is for the woman who entered our youth group and jumped right in with no hesitation. You courageously took a rowdy group of primarily high schoolers into your own hands and made changes that went against the routine we were used to. I applaud you for blazing your own path; it paid off in the end. Fall kickoffs, Cincinnati road trips, "Money Wall" fundraisers, and youth wing makeovers, these are all parts of the legacy you left behind. Although your time with us was short, you allowed myself and others to step outside of our comfort zones and share the stories of our journey with Christ in front of everyone. You made time to listen to my opinion and became more like a friend than an adult authoritative figure. I still wear the bandana bracelet from mission trip almost every single day.

I know I could still call either of them up and they would likely pick up instantly. I am so grateful for the compassion they showed towards each youth and their ability to inspire others to become more Christ-like. You both constantly remind me of my potential and to persevere when life gets tough. I pray those who work alongside youth groups as pastors, directors, Sunday school teachers, or even volunteers know that they are making a huge impact on the lives of their students. I know my life is changed because of those kinds of people. To quote "For Good" from Wicked:

"I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you..."

Do not doubt your importance.

Thank you Matt and Maria for all you have done for me and so many others.