It's Sunday night and it's been several weeks since I've made it to Fusion (high school ministry at church). I like the summers for the freedom it gives us leaders to come and go and take a break if we need it but I do miss going on Sunday nights when I don't.
Right as I walk in I see one of the high school girls I'm going to Africa with and we start chatting. I hear a shriek to my left and turn my head and here comes Hannah running towards me and gives me the biggest hug ever! And then before I know it both Jenna and Jeanett give me huge hugs as well. Later on I run into several others of "my girls" who all greeted me with the same enthusiasm and one even pulled me to meet her friend who she had told that "you just have to meet Jessica". Aw bless. So, the rest of my night was spent hanging out with these and other high school girls and I loved it! Which is why today....
I'm thankful for "my girls"......
Sometimes I'm not aware and take for granted that I have such a special opportunity and role to play in the lives of these high school girls. They have no idea how blessed by them I am; to feel so loved and wanted as soon as I walk into the room! To be greeted with a run on hug is the best ever!
But it's also a huge responsibility, knowing that these girls look up to me and what I think of them means the world to them. And that is so incredibly humbling because I know any good they see in me is not of my own accord but a testament to God's grace in my life.
God's been challenging me a lot lately about what type of role model I'm being when no one else is looking. There have been several moments when I'm about to make a not so great decisions and the thought that comes to mind is "what would I be telling my girls to do" or "what would they think if they knew I was in this situations"? It brings on a new meaning to being held accountable and they don't even realize they are doing it! Love it!
I'm so thankful for these girls. Thankful that they trust me enough to allow me to be someone of influence in their lives. Thankful for the ways they challenge me. Thankful for the ways I see them love Jesus that put me to shame. Thankful that my life will be forever changed because of them.
I love youth work. LOVE. And thankful that while I can't do it full time God has provided me with a place to serve and girls to love. And girls, if you are reading this and you know who you are.....I do love you guys....more than you will ever know
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