Squirrels

Last night was youth group.  After being sick all weekend, I wasn't sure how it would go.  I must admit, my younger group had moments of squirrelyness- quite a few moments!  We talked about advent- hope and peace, which are the first 2 weeks since I wasn't there last week.  But, in the midst of those moments, there were glimmers of hope!  The youth shared ways they brought hope to others and ideas of how they could help others.  During candle time, some of the youth opened up and shared concerns that were on their hearts and minds as they have not done before.  And, after a pretty quiet first attempt at a new song, the second time, I heard most of the group singing!  I've learned on the nights that I think nobody heard a word, that's when I usually find out later that somebody was really impacted by something we discussed.
I try to have projects for the weekly themes.  For the week of hope it's always ringing bells for the Salvation Army.  A lot of my youth weren't able to make the Saturday date.  But, a friend of one of my regulars sent me a message last week saying he was interested in ringing.  He's come to a couple fun things we've had in the past.  So, when he sent me a message saying he'd definitely be there Saturday at 6, I wondered how that would go.  That time slot was the "singing slot".  The adult who volunteered for that time said she wanted to sing with the youth.  There are only a few in my group who would jump at the chance for that.  And, this middle school boy who didn't know what he was getting into was very happy to be there.  He shared on Sunday how he felt good for helping others.  And, I heard from several others who stopped by, and the adult there, that he was happy to sing Christmas songs with her.  What a joy to have a new youth who is not afraid to share!
Sometimes God is in the background working quietly behind the scenes.  Other times, He's right out there singing and serving!  This weekend, I saw both in my youth.
2 Chronicles 15:15
All Judah was delighted with the solemn pledge because they had sworn it with all their hearts. When they enthusiastically sought God, he was found by them, and the LORD gave them peace on every side
Blessings,
Jennifer