A Good Reminder

Here's a great YouTube video to remind us all of who we are (and a nice rip off of the Old Spice Guy).

Jumping Ship in a Storm

The winds whip all around. The craft is so very small and the waves are so very large. The person you look to for comfort is missing, no, is there, but on the very troubling waters. He says come. You go. You doubt. You fall. And immediately he reaches to you.

This weekend we took our high school youth on retreat where we focused on that passage from Matthew (14.22-33). We challenged our youth to get out of the boat - to cast aside their doubts, fears, worries - to trust in God.

We also offered the opportunity to try the high ropes adventure course. Dozens of feet in the air, suspended by ropes, they walked across swinging logs, tight ropes, and made leaps of faith to catch a trapeze swing. Many succeeded. A few struggled.

But what amazed me was the girl who froze. There she was over 40 feet in the air. She was halfway across the first challenge - a rope to walk on and two ropes to hold on to as she walked. She froze. She tensed. As she tensed, the ropes started to sway more and more. It took her quite a while, but she made it to the stopping point. Then she faced that moment that we all have before - she was stranded. She couldn't stay where she was. She needed to go back across, to face all that she had just struggled through in order to make it down again to the ground.

I think facing the unknown can be much easier than facing known fears. She knew exactly how petrifying the experience of crossing that rope line was. She knew how difficult it would be. And now she was tired, emotional, and full of doubts. Yet, suddenly, she stepped out. Step by step, very slowly she began to cross. The last segment is the most difficult as there is an upturn to the rope and you have to climb even as you walk on that lone rope. The look of determination on her tear streaked face was so beautiful. Just as sudden as her beginning was her leap to the solid structure of the tower. She had made it.

I am in awe of her bravery, her determination. When God calls us to step out of the boat, into the storm, and onto the rocky waves we must find that trust, determination and faith. When those storms are all too familiar - crises at work, cranky family members, loss, doubt - it becomes even harder to face the storms with faith and courage. Yet, now, when I will inevitably hit those moments when I cry out to God, "Why God? How can I possibly face this storm? How can I possibly come to you now?" I know exactly what I need to picture in my mind - the face of that girl as she was slowly, steadily reaching the tower.

Your Cup

The time has come...

The start of the new school year is no longer something one can say is months away, it is only days. Young adults are returning from their vacations and finishing their Ultimate Frisbee tournaments.

The time has come when a youth and young adult minister is utterly swamped and usually stressed.

The time has come...

When the temptation to live off the pizza, chips, soda, and Tootsie Rolls becomes nearly insurmountable. When the few hours you get at home are hours you think best spent napping.

The time has come to admit I need to take better care of myself this year.

Last year was a frenzy of ministry events, crises large and small, constant administrative tasks, and ignoring the realities of what this was doing to me. This year I know, that in order to be an effective minister, I need to take care of myself.

Ministry, at least the part that is our 'work', is only a small part of our lives. However, there is a great temptation to make ministry, it's demands, and it's excuses overwhelm us. We are told that our bodies are temples and to meditate on God's Word (see Paul and Joshua).

Each day I am now spending time exercising. This also lets me relax both physically and mentally. I put my Macbook so I can see it from my elliptical trainer and catch up on my guilty pleasures - TV shows (Covert Affairs and Rizzoli & Isles).

I am eating my fruits and vegetables. (The peaches are absolutely fabulous right now.) I am making sure that I cook at least two big batches of something that I can have for leftovers throughout the week (I've got some great soups and vegetarian casseroles now).

I am making sure I spend some of each day quietly with God. Some days I reflect on The Catholic Women's Study Bible. Other days it is the daily Mass readings. I also am reading a couple of books on spirituality and faith by Henri Nouwen.

We must care for ourselves so that we may be fully alive and fully capable of hearing God in our lives and living His call.

World Youth Day 2011

Protecting the Innocent

The Vatican has released the modifications to the decree that applies to those accused of sexual abuse of minors. Please take some time to read the document.

A Difference

This time of year gets me to thinking about whether or not I, the ministry, the service trip, or whatever it is that I'm worrying about really makes a difference.

When you're bogged down with permission forms, van rental agreements, room lists, and all the rest, it seems like you're simply doing busy work.

Then there's the countless hours spent in preparation for the fall kick-off, fall retreat, teen leader formation.

In an exhausted state fueled by Diet Mountain Dew and sugar free strawberry Twizzlers (a new personal favorite), I could easily let myself become discouraged. I would hazard to say that no one in ministry is exempt from these moments. They are natural and understandable.

What saves me is a core belief - everything matters. Yesterday officially began my eighth year of youth & young adult ministry. There are many things I have learned - always pack duct tape, two teens can carry a water heater, always put the lunch cooler in the canoe with the most experienced canoe-ers. But the most important lesson I've learned is that it all matters. It all makes a difference. Yes, even the countless hours spent tracking down missing forms for service trips or World Youth Day pilgrimages.

The simple conversations before the meeting begins.
Showing up for the theatrical production or football game.
Hours of prep work for a youth or young adult night that isn't used because people just need a game night.
Staying up all night at the lock-ins.
Hunting down a replacement speaker for Theology on Tap when the scheduled one cancels 48 hours before the event.
Ending up bruised and slightly battered after the camping trip.

What we do matters. We may not see it. We may not feel it. But we still make a difference.

Interesting

In a recent article from Youth Worker magazine, Henri Nouwen pops up several times. Now as a huge fan of his, I'm not surprised that others appreciate his wisdom and grace. What does surprise me is these are not Catholics and how frequently various people brought his book, In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership, to the discussion on leadership training and spirituality.

Check out the article "Best of the Best."There are some great ideas and resources to check up on. They cross over from youth to young adult ministries, including campus ministry.

And check out whatever Henri Nouwen writings you can get your hands on.