Every Thursday night Benny has a group of high school boys over for a time of fellowship and accountability. I enjoy making snacks for them and they love my sweet tea. 🙂 Last Thursday 11 of these boys spent the night so they could go to a late movie with Benny. It was interesting sleeping that many teenage boys in our little house, but it was fun too. Especially breakfast time before we all had to leave for school. They hung around and we all chatted while we ate. They played with my kids and cleaned up their own stuff, and we laughed…a lot. Having them here almost made me miss being in traditional youth ministry.
A few weeks ago I was meeting a friend for coffee. I arrived first and as I sat outside waiting for my friend, I saw a group of teens carrying trash bags navigate their way around the parking lot and surrounding restaurants picking up trash. One of them looked at me so I smiled at her and she smiled back. It looked like a youth group activity though I’m not sure. They weren’t trudging through the mundane job, they were smiling and cracking jokes while they worked. They were quietly making a difference in that community.
Sarah is our fabulous babysitter and one of my favorite teens. She is honest, trustworthy, hardworking, loving to everyone she meets, and she loves life. She is also the daughter of one of my best friends. I love being around her and hearing her take on life.
Ray is the teenager that cares for Pete in the nursery during first hour at Friday School. Pete adores him and tells me Ray is one of his best friends. He is kind to Pete, gets down on the floor and plays cars and legos with him, and shares his snacks. Pete cracks Ray up and they have a good time together.
We LOVE teenagers. We always have. They are so creative and courageous and just waiting to be set free. Too often they get a bad rap. Sure, they’re hormonal and moody sometimes. It’s a struggle for anybody to figure out their lives and who they are supposed to be. I know 30 year olds that are still dealing with that.
One of the things that drives me crazy is when people tell us how great, polite, ___(you fill in the blank), our kids are then follow it up with “enjoy it now…just wait until they’re teenagers!” Don’t set my kids or any other kids up for failure. Don’t tell them or others that you’re bracing yourself for their teenage years. That’s like telling a woman, “You’re nice now, but boy am I bracing myself for when you hit menopause.” yikes.
Teenagers are great people who are begging to be noticed and loved and given an opportunity to make a difference. They are insightful, emotional, and have tremendous energy that can be focused in amazing ways when given a little direction and guidance. I love teenagers. They have their own special place in History as well.
David was a teenager when he went into battle and killed Goliath.
Mary was a teenager when she gave birth to Jesus.
Joan of Arc was a teenager when she led her troops into battle and died a martyr’s death.
Mary Shelley was a teenager when she wrote Frankenstein.
Franklin Sousley, was a teenager when he was one of the six men in the famous photograph of troops Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a teenager when he penned his first opera. (His first composition was written at age 5)
Teenagers were an integral part of the the Civil Rights Movement and have made their mark in history. I believe they will continue to do so.
Teenagers are amazing and I’m grateful to have them in my life. 🙂
Want to join us for Gratituesday?
Head on over to Laura’s blog – Heavenly Homemakers and link up.
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