"Do you have any kids?"
I get asked this question frequently. I'm a talkative person and am readily willing to strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Most recently I was asked this question while getting my hair cut.
My favorite part is my answer, "Yes and No". People give me the strangest looks as if to ask "How do you not know whether or not you have kids?"
I always continue after giving them a second to ruminate, "My wife and I have no children of my own, but we have lots of kids at church.". That's why I love this question so much; it gives me two opportunities, 1. To brag on my kids, 2. To brag on my church.
Over the past 3 1/2 years, I have worked with many students in our youth department. I love how our church fosters the idea of church family. It makes us closer as a body. It helps us work with one another and depend on one another.
As for "my kids," I have so very many. I have students who have graduated and gone on to college. They are studying fields from math, to pre-med biology, to music, to special ed. Some have signed to play sports, others have academic scholarships. Some have entered the work force. I am proud of them all. I cherish the fact that I had the opportunity to be a part of their lives and that they are a part of mine.
I love all the students that I work with now. They are talented in a variety of areas. I love bragging on them about a band competition, sporting achievement, good grades, and/or wonderful character.
This is the beginning of a series of posts regarding youth ministry from the eyes of a volunteer. I hope to give insight into my world of lay youth ministry. I hope you find these blogs helpful, and feel free to add your comments.
###
