Changing lives and things of that nature.

So, I know what you all are thinking...blogging again!?! Doesn't she have anything else to do? Well, the sad truth is that, no...i really don't have anything else to do (short of cooking, cleaning, working, laundry, changing diapers, etc. etc., take your pick)...What it all boils down to is the fact that I am just a huge geek. And, honestly, my life isn't overflowing with exciting events or interesting happenings worth blogging about..but I do have a point to make some of the time, and if you're interested in reading, well, that is great. If not, you may just miss out on the most important insight ever in life. Hehe. Just kidding.

One of my neighbors and I were talking today, and she asked me if I wanted to have a drink after work. I told her I couldn't because I was going to try to get to SIM (youth group at church)this week since I haven't been able to make it in a while and some of the girls were expecting me to be there. She then said, "Well, when you decide you don't want to go at 5:00, let me know and we'll have a drink," to which I responded, "I already told people I was gonna be there, and if I say I am going to do something, I do it." She then asked, "Aren't these the same girls who ditched you on babysitting this week?", implying that since they had not met my expectations and lived up to their word, why should I accomodate them? (For the record, the babysitting thing was a total misunderstanding, my bad...she definitely didn't ditch me..and also for the record, my neighbor means well, I believe she was just looking out for me when she made that statement).

This question got me to thinking..and thinking...and thinking...aka, overanalyzing the situation.

Why DO I commit my time to these kids, specifically the girls? Is it because they shower me with affection? Um, no. Not even. Is it because they make me feel young again? Well, we could be hitting a nerve with this one..but no. Is it because I see in them raw potential of what they could possibly be and the plan God has for their lives? Yes. Is it because they need people who they can trust who are not their parents and maybe not even their youth leader (sorry Jamie, much love!!!) to set a good example for them? I do believe so. Or is it simply because I have developed a love for them and honestly want to see them thrive? That too.

They may be totally on fire for God, and they may be involved in ministry, and they may have memorized scripture up to their ears, but they are still just kids. And kids need guidance and attention and prayer and a little TLC every once in a while. While I admit that for a while I was feeling silly for going because I don't really have a specific "job", I now know that I am just supposed to be there. I have realized that just them knowing I'm there and available and that I take time out of my endless list of daily to-do's to show up just for them makes a huge difference. It's totally humbling for me because really, when it comes down to it, I don't have all the answers for them and I am not always the perfect role model for them, and I have my own issues to worry about, why take on theirs?

It's given me the opportunity to practice putting myself and my needs on the back burner to be of service to others. It's not always easy, and it's not always fun. But it's always rewarding when you walk away knowing that God may have just used you to plant a seed, or even to literally change a life. Even perhaps by just being there...

And that, my friends, is my deep thought for today. Thanks for listening...er, reading. :)