Camp- Wed am

This morning I gave my learning lab.  I started out by introducing myself to the group.  The instructions said 3 minutes.  I hadn’t thought hard about what I was going to say- how hard is it really?  So, as I began, I stated that I only knew what I wanted to be for the last 5 years or so.  I saw some relief across the room as people realized it was ok if they weren’t sure yet.  Then, I said that at their age, I was sure I wanted to be a physical therapist.  It’s not often that I bring that up- not for any reason but because it’s relatively insignificant.  I went on to share how I was called and had to wait until the right time. 

After that, I asked everyone to share their name, where they were from, and why they were here.  “You may be here because you feel called to ministry.  You may be here because your leader told said you had to come here.  You may be here because you thought it was a different class.”  There were a few giggles.  “It doesn’t matter if you don’t want to be here because you feel called.  God wants you to be here.  You many not find out during this time.  It may be years from now.  But, for some reason, God made sure you are here right now.”  A hand went up.  The girl started by sharing her name and where she as from.  Then, she told me she was there because she thought it was a different class.  But, she’s trying to figure out what to do with her life and part of her feels called to ministry but she has been thinking maybe she should do physical therapy.  Yes, she was right where God wanted her to be. 
The rest of the time went similar to that.  The next girl shared how she just got asked to come to camp the Sunday she came and how amazing the experience has been for her.  The previous night, she had gotten an epileptic seizure from the strobe lights.  My son is the light person and felt terrible that he had caused her seizure.  So, I was able to talk with her and she was able to find my son and tell him she was ok and not upset about what had happened.  Several shared their desires to become a pastor or youth minister.  Others didn’t know why they were in there but seemed to be getting something out of the discussion.
I had told the other church youth pastor not to make the group come to my class.  I told him I wanted them to go where they felt led to go- that it wasn’t about me; it was about them and their relationship with God.  But, as we went around the room and these youth that I had just met a few days ago said they came to support me, I felt touched that they loved me and cared about supporting me. 
I sat next to a girl who I sat next to the day before.   She is a high functioning autistic.  During the time of small group discussion, she shared her answers to the questions and then said she doesn’t know how any of it related to her calling.  Immediately, I had seen that she was able to articulate her thoughts and feelings very well.  Her gift to help others understand how those with autism think and feel would be a great way to help others. 
The time ended too quickly.  Before I knew it, it was time to head to worship.  I left the room feeling thankful that I’d had this opportunity to share with these amazing young people.  But, I also left sad because I wanted to talk more in depth with some of them about where they were being called.  That is where my faith has to come in.  I was to plant the seed, to help them explore, or to give them a sense of direction.  God will put someone else in their path to help them continue on their journey.
So, where was God today?  He was in that room guiding my words and their hearts and minds.

Blessings,

Jennifer