Ok, so I know that Thanksgiving is behind us. Still, there’s plenty of things to be thankful for. This year, I’m thankful for…
1. The glimpses God gives you into the lives you’ve impacted. I love watching social media and seeing former students’ own kids participate in their youth group.
2. Churches that are savvy enough to bring in diagnostic help before firing their youth pastor. Hear me churches: it’s never a bad idea to hire an youth ministry consultant.
3. The Game of Spoons; an oldie but still a goodie. Games are a great way to get your teens interacting, aren’t they?
4. Students who just love hanging around you and don’t seem to care how old you are, what you’re wearing, whether you can still shoot hoops, etc.
5. Former students who still want to know you “after all these years.” (Facebook and Instagram have been delightful gifts to me for this very reason.)
6. Youth Ministry conferences and retreats where you get to hang with peeps who “get you” and you don’t have to filter yourself. Isn’t it great to have close youth ministry friends? (and, friends who aren’t youth workers?)
7. A nice full air mattress and a fan at the end of a mission trip day. Comfort is important, right?
8. Ear plugs. ‘Nuff said.
9. Dear, dear ministry friends from all around the country. The conversations seem to pick up right where we left off. Don’t ever underestimate the importance of tribe.
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to end when the meal is over. Let’s spend this entire holiday season reflecting on the gifts that God has given us. What are you thankful for?
