Monday, December 10, 2012

Those times at youth...


Sometimes, as a youth leader, I get my heart broken. It's those times when I know what's best for a student and they do the complete opposite. When I know they'll end up hurt and they choose it anyways. When my husband and I both have prayed for them and listened and advised them and still, they made the choice we hoped they wouldn't.

And I'm such a girl about it. I knew it was coming. At least, I thought I did. We had suspected for a while and so finally I got up the courage to just ask.

Before I asked, I was still in la la land. You know, when you think you know, but it hasn't been confirmed yet so you still have hope. Ya that.

And so I asked. And the answer was just a small, quiet, yes.

And you know what I did?

I said, ok. walked away, and cried.

Cried because I was heart broken, frustrated, hurt.

It took everything in me to not lose it right there. To calmly reply okay and walk away with a smile.


So here's a story...
I was watching my niece, Gabbi, the other day and she loves straws. Anything with a straw in it, she wants. And cries for until she gets it. So when she spotted a cup with a straw on our nightstand, imagine her delight. Keep in mind that she's only a little over a year. Unfortunately, that particular straw was tainted. Let me explain... Nathan had a drink from In&Out from a couple days before. It was soda and it was old. I don't know what had started to grow  in it or how gross it would be so naturally I know it's best if I don't give it to her. Well she did not like that answer. She threw herself on the floor and cried. So I left her there.. to figure it out. She whined some more then finally dealt with the fact that she couldn't have it. 

It got me thinking. How often do we do that with the Lord? We want something so bad, and from out point of view it looks awesome! Just like Gabbi, all we see is the straw. We don't care what's inside or more it's that we don't have the knowledge to see it like God does. There are things in our lives that God knows aren't good for us. He knows the pain it would cause or the hurt it would bring. He see's things we aren't capable of. And so out of love and His character to protect us, He also sometimes tells us no. And what do we do? We throw ourselves on the floor and cry. 

Like babies. 

Just the like student in the first story. Except they grabbed the cup with the straw and hid it. They ignored every bit of Godly counsel and chose to make their own decision based off of what they thought was best. The Bible says it best... "He who separates himself seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom." Proverbs 18:1.

This is a great reminder that whenever we feel as though God is asking us not to do something or even to do something and we think we have it all figured out without Him, that we are capable of making choices better than He can for us, we miss out on the great things He had planned for us. 

Want to know the best and worst part of this?
I found out later that night that this was all a joke.

A JOKE. I have to be honest I was so thrilled that it wasn't true, I didn't even care.

However, I did not find out until the very end of the day so I spent a lot of my day worried about that answer, disappointed and sad. Not cool.

So at Jr. High youth last night.. this is on my mind.. but nonetheless, I love jr. high youth so I was determined to have a good time. So we are playing this game.. and I am chasing a student with the dodge ball.. and because my boots are slippery on the bottom, I fell. 

Yup, laugh it up now.. go ahead get it out.

I looked down and my new jeans were ripped. Which totally bummed me out but I kept playing. Then, upon further investigation.. I noticed my favorite boots.. were ripped to shreds on the front. 
Evidence:





And then I cried. Again. For the second time that day. Partly because yes, I ruined my clothes and my knee was throbbing and bleeding now. But also because I was still upset from earlier. (because I still did not know it was all a joke at this point)

So let's just say yesterday wasn't such a great day. And the moral of the story is to never upset your youth leader. 

Just kidding.

But really..Though this was a joke, I couldn't help but share the story anyways. Because this happens so often in life, in all different scenarios, and the lesson is the same. Listen to the Lord. He cares for you deeply and wants only the best for you. Even if you think it's unfair and not right, HE KNOWS BETTER. and I can promise, because I know Him, He loves loves loves YOU. More than anyone you know. He only wants the very best for his daughter. 

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -Jeremiah 29:11


 Oh and hey guys.. Kaitlyn over at Wifessionals is giving away an iPad mini! So do yourself a favor and go enter.. or don't. Because then there's a better chance that I'll win and.. I did hurt my knee and ruin my favorite boots... so.. you just think about that. . Haha Just kidding ;) Go enter! 


6 comments:

  1. LOL Jess, this is too funny! But I can totally relate! My heart aches when I see my kids (not really my kids but you know what I mean!) do the complete opposite of what you advised and of what God's will is. Ouch! It hurts to see them stray in a dangerous direction but we need to hang in there and be there for them regardless. Glad it was all a joke and I'm really sorry about your boots and jeans! I was really bummed out when my brand new favorite boots got scratched too!

    With Love,
    Rubi
    www.lilyamongthornsblog.blogspot.com

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  2. I totally relate to that straw story. God knows what is best through! Hugs about your jeans and boots! Its annoying to inadvertently destroy something you care about. I'll be praying for you!

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  3. Om my goodness I was so upset with you! I even stopped and prayed before I kept reading and got to the whole joke part, HA. So I guess the joke is on me too, LOL! Great post and reminders though!! And quite Funny..well besides the jeans and shoes...that stinks!

    Hope you are having a blessed day!!

    Oh I just nominated you for an award on my blog :)

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  4. I'm proud of you! Despite being upset you handled the whole situation like a boss! And even though I was apart of this whole thing with you, this post made me laugh. I can still see the image of you chasing Mack with the ball and slipping...worried and laughed all at the same time :) Love you sweetie! Keep up the great blogging!

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  5. You must of been hardcore game playin' my friend. I know those feelings all to well.. you are right it is a reminder of how the Lord feels about us when we choose to go in a direction other than his. Your heart is designed for those girls, to hurt, and break just as the Lord's heart breaks.
    *i'm glad it was a joke though... argh kids

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  6. Oh my goodness! So glad it was a joke, but I KNOW how heartbreaking it is to advise and pray for teenagers and for them to completely ignore your counsel. I have had many tearful nights, pleading with the Lord to just MAKE THEM GET IT! It's so painful, but I'm so thankful that the Lord gave me a heart to even care...even when it hurts!

    Christie

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