One of the things that becomes such a blessing in youth ministry is the gift of soulful conversations. It is these conversations that make you resonate with the spiritual understanding of another that affirms your own and makes you desire a deeper connection and a joyful discovery. I had those conversations last night with two young people. Yes, I had them over beer and while that might seem such an irony to some I didn't find it ironic at all. Young people converse this way and the depth of the conversation led to their openness and to mine.
We talked about a hunger that is relentless. An ache that is restless. Their longing for something significant. Their longing for an experience that is bigger than their now. They have touched the helm of Christ's cloak and they know most certainly that there is something more than what they are experiencing of their faith-filled life right now. I know it too. I experience it too. And as I contemplate on what I can share with them, I slow down and ask myself, what are they ready to hear? What are they ready to receive? And may what I share not be because I only want to be affirmed of my own convictions but it is what God wants us to partake of that moment.
Last night was beautiful because it hasn't happened in a long time. And it has given me a surge of strength to face another week.
There is a fragile force that uplifts the restless and the longing heart. It is not an impatient nudge. It is not an impulse of haste. It is quiet. Pervading. It sometimes eludes us. It is a mystery. And yet we continue to remain captivated with this force that surrounds us and overwhelms us into a silence. There are those amongst the young who are attuned so early in their age with the realities of God and I am humbled to witness their unfolding and I long to be one of those who continue to witness it until it comes into a fruition.
No comments:
Post a Comment