Let me start this off by making something clear: I am not a mother. I have no idea what it means to parent a child, much less multiple. So hats off to you! You are a rockstar!
But I am a crazy 24 year old who has been working with middle schoolers for about 4 years now. Usually when I tell people, they tell me that I am insane, but the truth is that I LOVE it. I love the crazy games and the abundant sugar. I love the late night talks during camp and the pranks that are inevitable. I love the hard questions that come my way and the sight of their precious hands raised to God in worship. I love that moment when I see a student ‘get it’. Their eyes widen and fill with wonder and excitement at finally realizing one of God’s truths or promises to us. I love getting to partner with you in helping feed your child’s relationship with God.
Can I be honest though? Sometimes it is HARD. I’ve come home week after week so frustrated because the students seem content with not listening and simply goofing off the whole time. I’ve had girls come to me with broken hearts over friends or boys, and all I can do is hold them while they cry. I’ve watched as families fall apart, and had to look into the lost eyes of the kids involved. I’ve had girls who were on fire and seeking the Lord, years later turn their backs on Him and proceed into a lifestyle of sin. And to be honest, sometimes I don’t see much fruit come out of pouring into these precious lives. It can be so hard to watch week after week, month after month, year after year go by and not see any dramatic breakthrough. But then I remember God’s promise in Isaiah 55:10-11. He says that His Words will not return void. Often times, especially at an age that is so formative like middle school, we are simply planting seeds. It takes TIME for seeds to grow, and all we can do is faithfully water them.
I’m sure you often feel that way. You try and try to get through to your kids, but they just don’t seem to get it. Maybe you have found that they just don’t want to talk to you like they used to, and you feel like you are losing touch. Just remember to keep watering. Just recently in fact, I was having one of these moments. I had been frustrated with small groups and the fact that none of the girls seemed willing to share about anything remotely serious. I had tried a few different tactics, but to no avail. Sure we were having lots of fun together, but no one could be real with each other. Then a few weeks ago, it happened. We were looking at the parable of the talents, and one of the girls asked “Why would God be mad at the servant who buried his talent? At least he didn’t lose it!” That led to a beautiful discussion about Who God is and His character, and what the servant’s motives were. All of the girls pitched in their thoughts and ideas and even asked more questions along they way. It was amazing, and I went home that night in awe of God and the way that He works.
So hold fast to hope! Keep watering and investing into your kids and wait with EAGER EXPECTATION of the ways God will work in their hearts. I can’t wait to hear all the stories of what amazing things they have done with their lives, because I know we’ve got some world changers in this next generation!
Author: Alexandra Price
But I am a crazy 24 year old who has been working with middle schoolers for about 4 years now. Usually when I tell people, they tell me that I am insane, but the truth is that I LOVE it. I love the crazy games and the abundant sugar. I love the late night talks during camp and the pranks that are inevitable. I love the hard questions that come my way and the sight of their precious hands raised to God in worship. I love that moment when I see a student ‘get it’. Their eyes widen and fill with wonder and excitement at finally realizing one of God’s truths or promises to us. I love getting to partner with you in helping feed your child’s relationship with God.
Can I be honest though? Sometimes it is HARD. I’ve come home week after week so frustrated because the students seem content with not listening and simply goofing off the whole time. I’ve had girls come to me with broken hearts over friends or boys, and all I can do is hold them while they cry. I’ve watched as families fall apart, and had to look into the lost eyes of the kids involved. I’ve had girls who were on fire and seeking the Lord, years later turn their backs on Him and proceed into a lifestyle of sin. And to be honest, sometimes I don’t see much fruit come out of pouring into these precious lives. It can be so hard to watch week after week, month after month, year after year go by and not see any dramatic breakthrough. But then I remember God’s promise in Isaiah 55:10-11. He says that His Words will not return void. Often times, especially at an age that is so formative like middle school, we are simply planting seeds. It takes TIME for seeds to grow, and all we can do is faithfully water them.
I’m sure you often feel that way. You try and try to get through to your kids, but they just don’t seem to get it. Maybe you have found that they just don’t want to talk to you like they used to, and you feel like you are losing touch. Just remember to keep watering. Just recently in fact, I was having one of these moments. I had been frustrated with small groups and the fact that none of the girls seemed willing to share about anything remotely serious. I had tried a few different tactics, but to no avail. Sure we were having lots of fun together, but no one could be real with each other. Then a few weeks ago, it happened. We were looking at the parable of the talents, and one of the girls asked “Why would God be mad at the servant who buried his talent? At least he didn’t lose it!” That led to a beautiful discussion about Who God is and His character, and what the servant’s motives were. All of the girls pitched in their thoughts and ideas and even asked more questions along they way. It was amazing, and I went home that night in awe of God and the way that He works.
So hold fast to hope! Keep watering and investing into your kids and wait with EAGER EXPECTATION of the ways God will work in their hearts. I can’t wait to hear all the stories of what amazing things they have done with their lives, because I know we’ve got some world changers in this next generation!
Author: Alexandra Price
RSS Feed
