Glimpses of The Ones Who Get It....

Last night was our mid-week youth worship service/fellowship/rec time/Bible study...Yeah, we pile a lot into one night, but it's all good. Anyway, things went pretty good I guess. It was kind of your typical night with the students, but afterward I begin to think about these small glimpses I am starting to see of kids who "get it." A lot of the time, ministry in general, and especially youth ministry, can be draining. It takes a lot out of you. But it seems that every now and then there are these little signs that it is all worth it. As I laid on the couch last night catching up on some much needed Sportscenter, I caught a couple glimpses of it as I reviewed the night....I see it in Mark, who comes early to set up the sound system and stays after everyone else to tear down the sound system. I never have to worry about it and it is always done with detail and excellence. Why? Because he "gets it." He sees that he is serving God and others by what he does and that means he is beginning to "get it," to understand what life following after Jesus is all about. I also see it in Grant. Regardless of whether others join him in singing and worshipping or not, he is faithful, every week to be prepared to lead others in worship. He shares from his heart and he worships, whether others follow or not....He is "getting it." He understands that it is not about him, but rather about HIM. Then there are those 7 or 8 students who stay to help plan Disciple Now. They could go home like the rest of the youth, but they chose to stay late and they chose to serve on this ministry team. Why? Because they are starting to "get it." They see that their life can make an impact for the kingdom, glory, and fame of God by choosing to serve Him and serve others. These students are beginning to see that it is not all about them. They are beginning to understand that God has called them into something in following Christ that is far bigger than their personal satisfaction or comfort. They are learning that true followers don't just say they love Him, but they show it in how they serve...There are little signs all around...They're there...You sometimes just have to pause and really look to see them.