Temple Baptist Life

We have a plaque that hangs in our kitchen. It is words of wisdom given to Cindy and me by my mother. The plaque reads “Raising a teenager is like nailing Jell-O to a tree. “

This is a reminder that the teenage years are not easy for kids or parents. Nor is it easy for those who work with teenagers. The past three months have been quite a challenging time for all of us who work with our youth group. New problems and challenges have come up that we have never faced before.

God has not brought specific kids into our group because it would be easy. He brought them to our group to show them Gods love, forgiveness, patience, understanding and grace. With Gods help he is giving us the words and understanding to move forward. It has not been easy. God did not say it would be easy. The good book tells us that all things are possible with God. He has shown this to me in very real terms.

God has begun to mend some peoples’ hearts and to break down other peoples’ weakness. To challenge some to become something better than they were and still to open the eyes and hearts of others. God has been busy at work within our youth group.

In return, the best spiritual gift was recently given to me by a 12 year old boy. A young man, who used to live here but moved away last fall. I ran into him at Wal-Mart in the isle separating the mens’ and girls’ clothing departments. He eagerly talked of the new school he was attending, new friends and a new home where he was living. He told me about the church he was attending and I was so glad to hear the latest news. After talking for about ten minutes he looked at me and said three words. “Thanks for everything” he said and threw his arms around my chest and gave me a big bear hug. After several seconds he let go and said “I really miss Sunday School and Youth Group.” This even took me back. We said our goodbyes and left. The genuineness of his thank you really lifted me.

Let me end this note by stating that if you are having struggles in the area that you are serving God, you are not alone. God didn’t say it would be easy. God has placed you where you are for a reason and God will see you through the difficulty. God has also surrounded you with people who will encourage you.