Parade

Yesterday, I watched a parade to celebrate the 4th.  It went on forever, as it does every year.  But, this year seemed a little different.  It may have been just because I was more aware.  But, it seemed there were some great floats this year and some great organizations represented.  Operation Christmas Child had a float along with a float from a home being built for women coming out of prison as part of a prison ministry.  Several of my youth were on that float.  And, the woman who spoke at youth group Sunday is the founder of the home.  As she rode by, she told me she had some news for me.  So, towards the end of the parade, I went to go find out the news.  A girl who had been at youth group Sunday had been talking to someone who happened to know the speaker.  The girl had been influenced by her words, touched by them, and amazed that she could ask anything and hear a straight answer.  This girl had questions, needed answers, and is obviously searching for her path in life.  A lot of people have tried to steer her wrong.  But, last Sunday, she recognized someone who was trying to steer her right. 
As I realized early in my youth ministry career, the ones who seem to not be paying attention are the ones who are getting so much more than I can imagine.  She sat with her phone the whole time.  Often she would look up and show expressions on her face that would assure me she was listening through all of her texting.  I usually don't allow phones, but circumstances made it hard to do that.  But, God got through whether she had her phone or not.
So, where was God today?  He was at the parade, spreading positive messages through the nonprofit organizations doing good in our community.  And, He is continuing to be with this teen as He helps her work through her life.
Blessings,
Jennifer