The Man has been in youth ministry for over seven years. During the first few, I was with him for nearly every ski trip, small group and sleepover. When the twins were born, it was time for me to shift my main focus from students to babies. But today, the high school students leave for their annual fall retreat. And guess who gets to go with them?
That’s right! Chatty Emily will be hopping on one of four buses carrying 170 students out of town for the weekend. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to get to know some of them better. I’m excited about leaving the little ones in the capable hands of my parents so I won’t have to worry. But I’m feeling old, y’all. I got an email last night with the minute by minute schedule for the weekend (I love an organized youth ministry). I read it slowly, picturing everything in my head, planning accordingly. It wasn’t until I noticed the amused look on the Man’s face that I realized I had been studying the schedule for…kind of a long time.
It was then that it hit me: motherhood has slowly sucked the spontaneity right out of my personality. I now have the need to plan, to know, to not be surprised. But anyone who works with teenagers, has teenagers or is a teenager knows that no amount of planning can insure a plan. Life simply doesn’t work that way. Especially not in youth ministry.
So I have my bag packed, my phone charged, my camera ready. I’m trying my best to take off my mom-to-three-preschool-students hat and put on my laid-back-friend-to-high-school-students hat. Most importantly, I’m beginning to release my illusion of control and to instead allow Jesus to live through me, love through me and maybe even surprise me.
Oh what a shock it will be. I remember all my youth camps and also all the times I went as a counselor – what a difference it was.
May God bless you and work through to bless so many young lives!
Have fun! You’ll have a great time. I have always been to old for full schedules, even when I was in the youth group.
Have fun. I would leave the maternity jeans at home. Do not want to scare those high girls too much.
That is sweet that your parents will watch your kiddos. You are very lucky.
it will be fun! enjoy your get-away!
Have a great time. I know you will love it.
I hope you all have a wonderful weeked full of professions of faith for Jesus.
That would totally ROCK!!!!
ah im so excited! it will be so much fun!
You will have so much fun. Can’t wait to read about it when you get back.
You know I am jealous!! I want to be there, but just make sure you keep those “old” (ha…you old…too funny)eyes peeled on my boy!! Don’t let those girls lay one little hand on him….hee hee. Can’t wait to hear all that the Lord will do this weekend! Hopefully, I’ll join you next time (can’t stay making the lattes forever.)
Oh you are going to have the BEST time!!! I love working with teenagers…they are so much fun and you’re right…full of surprises. Can’t wait to see the pictures…It’s gonna be a wild ride!
Better you than me – LOL! You’ll have a great time, and I’m sure you’ll inspire the teens in ways you can’t imagine! Have fun!
Have fun! I’m sure you’ll be a great guide, companion and confidante to these young women.
Have a great time! They will make you feel young!
-Sandy Toes
How fun that’s going to be! I have to admit that I’m not much of a youth person…they sort of scare me…HA! I envy the moms that are so cute and hip that can just jump in there with the youth and be such wonderful role models for them. Jesus will use you just by you going on this trip.
I’m sure it’ll be loads of fun! Busy, busy fun.
God bless you!
(And so glad it’s not me!) Ha ha!
Seriously, as the mom of “youth-groupers” I know you will have a wonderful weekend. And, I am thankful for all the adults who give up their weekends and family time to do things like this with my kids.
Blessings!
this blog read my mind–i’ve been feeling the same way. what happened to me? “motherhood” was not always my midde name!! i’m glad i’m not the only one
hope you have a blast!
I do hope that you have fun this weekend! Every mom needs a small break now and again, it really does recharge us!
Feelin’ some of your pain this weekend sister – we had fifth quarter last night and I was up until 1:00 making funnel cakes and hanging out. Then I got to get up this morning and go back to being mom! The whole youth ministry vs being a mom world is kind of surreal, isn’t it?
Hope you (had) a good weekend and that He showed up in mighty and unmistakable ways (…especially in your energy level!)
Fun!! My husband and I were youth ministers many years ago before kids. Our big trip was to Gatlinburg, Tn and was not without incident. Two of our girls were in their hotel bathroom when the mirror decided to come loose from the wall. Fortunately they were able to catch it and yell for help!
You’ll fine the ‘footloose’ you again with those kids. And we will pray for some decisions to be made about Jesus and life.
Lisa Q
thought about you a lot today, and was excited to know that you were there. can’t wait to hear about it! about all the fun, craziness, and sleep deprivation you’re getting to enjoy!!!
i live for youth ministry…so much fun!! and i know that you just let it be this weekend…i am excited to hear about what happened! and if you’re old…i don’t want to talk about me! sad.
The good news is, if you give yourself a few more years, you won’t be such a planner – because you won’t be able to remember what you had planned, so you’ll realize the futility of it
Debbie (who knows of what she speaks, at 53yo, with 11 kids – from 10-30….I think….)
Did you survive? I think you did. How you feel today is the real test. Someone who smuggled a cell phone on the bus texted and said that they were going to be 30 minutes late. I happened to be at the Middle School flag football at Marshall’s and the receiver of that message passed the news on to me….and I missed you, and the bus was even early…grr.. Hope you had fun.
You will have a blast! I can’t wait for my kids to be a little older so we can get back into youth ministry!!! I miss it!
hugs…Summer
wow! a journey into Nineveh! what an adventure! Can’t wait to hear how it goes!
Emily – have an awesome time. God will certainly work through you. You will bless those kids and they will bless you! I can’t wait to hear about it!!
….sooooo….how was it!?!
I did Jr. High youth group for several years, it is a blessing to learn FROM those kids… they will teach you a ton!
I hope you had so much fun and God used those kids to show you the child like side of your heart
Hi Emily!
)
You’re so funny and I’d love to know more about ya so I tagged you over on my site. I know you’re busy, I don’t even know where I found the time to do this one, so don’t feel obligated
~Rachel
http://www.yardsalemama.blogspot.com
I must say my favorite part of that whole post was you calling yourself Chatty Emily. Did I finally give someone a nickname that stuck
?!
Good luck friend. Those kids will be lucky to have you!
Just came across your blog through my friend TulipLady’s blog. My sister is in youth ministry… and my dad is a minister. You’ve got great spirit and faith… and a great way of writing! Definitely bookmarking you!
And an interpreter, too – whoop! 