Patience

I know that there are things that will not always go our way. Life is not meant to be centered on us. In New Orleans every day of the National Youth Gathering has included rain and harsh weather resulting in thousands of high school students and their fearless leaders stuck inside the super dome and convention center. I apparently forgot about how much energy high schoolers had, but was quickly reminded when we began our night life activities. Blow-up games, karaoke, two dances, gathering idol, and a lounge wasn't enough for the almost four thousand participants we had in our hotel alone, but also for the incredible amount of students who came in every night from other hotels. I was blown away as I stood by the door directing people that 1. They just kept coming and 2. that I had managed not to loose my voice as I, in very broken record fashion, continued to tell groups their options as they entered the door.

I had that wonderful opportunity to meet with the youth group from my home congregation for a breakfast of beignets and a frozen cafe au lait from the amazing Cafe Du Monde. We met and walked along the river to our destination, lucky for me they are in the hotel I have been doing hospitality for during this gathering! Unfortunatly, as we walked a trained rolled on by right next to us and so gracefully came to a stop right in front of the sidewalk we needed to cross. I was told that I was to blame for the misfortune, but like all of us, high schoolers love to joke. We turned around after what I am sure felt like forever and found a new route to our delicious breakfast of mostly powdered sugar.

During our walk I was reunited with some people I used to babysit and every some of my high school classmates younger siblings. I, like many, am guilty for remembering and imagining youth as their 12 year old selves. Where did the time go? Some of the girls talked about my up and coming mission to Malaysia and I was comforted by a girl named Carly who told me that a year sounds like a long time, but that it isn't really that long.

Life is beautiful and love is sweet. The people who surround you and the people you meet comfort and guide you at just the right time. Don't be afraid to take advice from those who are younger than you. Many actually see things more clearly as they have been less wounded by the hurts of this world. Continue to pray not only for your concerns, but for yourself. Pray for healing and guidance, patience and hope, anything and everything because that's what God wants to hear most.

A favorite verse of mine and one that is lifted up to the kids at Luther Crest Bible Camp where I worked for two summers from 1 Timothy 4:12 "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."