Pouring In

This has been an encouraging week with students. Last Friday we took an all-day retreat together, which included a lot of laughs, too much sun, and some good times of singing and learning. Let's be honest -- I was exhausted by the end.

We spent time talking together as an entire school about what leadership in the Kingdom can look like -- studying from Acts 18 -- and how each of them wants to grow in that this year. We looked at six different qualities of leadership. The one that still resonates the most with me personally is that of pouring into others. I am grateful for the opportunity to pour into them.

This week has given me tremendous chances to do that...

• a surprising lunch on Tuesday with two sophomores who wanted to talk theology;
• Wednesday morning together as an entire school -- students were invited to share brief testimonies in order to learn more on how to do just that as we finished our study for the month of September in the Book of Acts. The shower of stories was a delight.
• breakfast on Thursday morning with 7 servant leaders -- their energy to serve and know you more is such a motivation to me.

I feel very fortunate to know this group. This fall marks the beginning of my 28th year working with youth. How great that it's still so challenging and fun for me -- and that they still want to talk to me!

This morning, in my own reading, I started on Ephesians. These verses were a great reminder of what it is I want to pursue in leading and pouring into young people.

That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength! (Ephesians 1:15-19, The Message)

I feel so blessed at the thought of those who have done this for me. God, use me to do that same. That is my prayer this year.