The hardest part about youth ministry is that you have to invest your whole heart. You HAVE to invest your life into teenagers or it doesn't work. It's a requirement. It's also a risky bet because teenagers are not always dependable or wise. Sometimes your heart gets trampled and hurt, but other times you get to be a player in the story of a student who could change the world. You make sacrifices and walk through difficult situations and watch them make choices. Sometimes right and sometimes wrong. The wrong ones sting and the right ones make you beam with pride for the part you played in their lives. Every class is different. Some are big some are small. Some are sweet and easy, others test your patience and try your nerves. May is a sweet month of mixed emotions where you see your kids walk across a stage and life is different. Some you know they're ready for the next step and others you see lots of untapped potential. Some times the bystanders are ready and other times we're not.
When we moved to Sayre almost four years ago this year's group of seniors were freshman. They attached quickly to us and we attached and invested quickly in them. Among that bunch were three girls who have sewed themselves into the fabric of my heart. I needed to feel a connection when we arrived and they welcomed me with open arms. Maybe it was just because I would come to school and pick them up for lunch before they could drive, I don't know. But like it or not they were stuck with me.
I've walked with them through arguments with parents and each other. I've watched as their hearts were broken by boys who didn't deserve them. I've beamed with pride as they have succeeded in sports, FFA, band, leadership team at church and most of all, as they have led others to Jesus. I've been honored to carry their secrets and their sorrows, their hurts and happinesses. And tonight they will walk across a stage and into the next chapter of life where youth minister's wives don't live.
It has been my honor to love these three young ladies. They are each so different, but they all exemplify who I hope my own children grow to be in different ways.
Summer is my missions lover. She went to London in 2010 and is going to Alaska and Zambia this summer. She is bold in her witness. She has used her own story to encourage younger girls in our ministry. She shows them that they can change and overcome any reputation a small town may give them. She is dependable, responsible and a learner. I've seen her grow from a quiet girl who was afraid to stand up for what she believed in to a young lady who is honest about her faith and walks with grace among her peers. I'm so proud of her and I know OSU will be better for her presence on campus.
Nikki. Oh Nikki. When I moved to town I had no idea who this girl was going to be. I watched as she stood at a crossroads in life and took some winding roads. She's been over her share of rough times, but she is faithful and honest. She wears her heart and her struggles on her sleeve and I so appreciate that about her. I can't wait to see the woman she grows into! She is an amazing athlete and has been such an example to the younger girls on her teams of how important hard work, dedication and practice are. I pray that the Lord will be close to her and allow her to see herself how He see's her. Shes beautiful and funny and talented and precious. I hope that SWOSU allows her the perfect environment to keep growing and to keep learning who she is because she's pretty great!
Sawyer is a girl after my own heart. She loves things to be organized and neat. Folders, tabs, color coding and school supplies all make her as happy as they make me. She is one of those kids who has defied the odds. Her parents aren't believers and have never encouraged her to be in church, but she was anyway. Sawyer is a leader where ever she goes. She gets things done and done well. Her drive, work ethic, brains and smile will take her far. She loves people so well. It's a joy to watch. I have loved watching this shy girl who wanted to blend into the crowd become a young lady who can't help but stand out. She is wonderful! I hope her time in college allows her continued growth, success and happiness. I know that she will make her presence known at SWOSU. I'm so proud of all she has done and will do.
On top of all of these accalades they LOVE my baby and he loves them! We all went to one last lunch this week and he showed off for all three of them the entire afternoon! He knows all of their names and loves them deeply. I'm not sure he'll know what to do without them either!
All three of these girls will walk away from SHS tonight with countless friends, proud teachers and even prouder parents. They will walk away from our youth group in August with a very big piece of my heart. They will always be the first thing that made Sayre feel like home to me. I'm forever grateful and honored to have been a spectator and cheerleader for the past four years of their lives. I'm so proud of each of them and I truly hope their lives are filled to the brim with blessings upon blessings. May they continue to grow into the woman God has planned for them to be and know that I'm always just a phone call away. You three make ministry worth the risk and sacrifice! Thank you!!!
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