Undeniable It's an epidemic and I am infected

So definitely conformity is way overrated in my world (just read previous blogs and you will see clearly this truth). Being around teenage students is kind of like being dropped off in the Costa Rican jungle with only a leatherman. Let me unpackage this a bit. The jungle is an infectious thing- overwhelmingly beautiful and captivating- full of life, layer upon layer of life. Things have amazing colors and adaptations that make them unique and marvelous. Yet... it is like the law stating for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction- I believe that for every capacity to do good in folk there is an equal and opposite capacity to do bad. The jungle of students is no different. For all of the beauty and majesty there is equal and opposite dire dangers laying in wait out there. I feel like I am in my own episode of "Man vs. Wild" where a plane has dropped me in this teenage jungle with only a very few tools and skills and I am not only supposed to navigate the jungle I am somehow through my work supposed to make it a better place for all of the creation living in it. It is incomprehensibly huge and yet overwhelmingly simple. As jungle-ers, we who serve students must give up, give in, and let go...

On an aside (an A.D.D. moment)... I realize today why the Spirit was depicted in Matthew at Jesus' baptism as a dove. Dove's are weary and shifty, they don't sit anywhere too long, spoke easily, and are relentlessly attached to their mate much like the Holy Spirit and it's attachment to God. About the time I experience the power and presence of the Spirit it is already moved on. That is it's own jungle trying to locate and provide experiences where the Spirit will move and work in my own life and in my students lives.

... I see God is quite capable of navigating for me and through me. Submissive courage, humble empowerment through the Spirit is the only way. Certainly it is not any part of me who makes this jungle of student ministry possible. Thank God that God desires to be in relationship with us all, pursuing us through the deepest jungles, seeking out our lives for His and our hearts for service.

One thing about the jungle, it is way exciting. Not just woo-hoo it is fun exciting, it is like scare the crud out of you, wonder if you are about to die but still think it is pretty cool kind of exciting. Being around teenagers is an epidemic. I can't imagine my life without my students. My call is inexplicable part of me, part of the marrow of my character and life. I love my students. I am rich in so many ways. I am completely infected and I hope I am never cured- don't make me grow up. I hope I always seek out "the second star on the right and head straight on 'till the mornin'" and fly in life.