Time Flies

I remember being a little kid and thinking it took forever for summer to arrive every year. One of my aunts told me that time goes by faster as you get older. I remember not understanding that then. Now, however, I am regularly amazed at how fast time seems to pass. Just yesterday it hit me that it was February and how in this short month, a whole lot is about to happen. But before I go to the future, I want to reminisce over the past few months.

"work"

So these are the two precious guys I get to hang out with, love on, and goof off with every day. Caleb (on the left) loves to play sports. Football is his current passion. Please note, that a 4, almost 5 year old, understands and remembers more about football than I do. His memory and

understanding continue to leave me speechless, and at times slightly embarrassed that he can school me on what is going on in sports. He is probably the most well behaved kid I have ever come in contact with. AND get this- he chooses fruit for snack food. Really? I was totally a butter popcorn, Little Debbie, Oreos kind of kid so I admire his love of fruit. Noah (on the right) is almost 2 (literally almost, it is next week). I love how incredibly sweet he looks in this picture. Children when they fall asleep look so serene. Daily I am amazed by all that he is learning! It is like I am hanging out with this little sponge who soaks in all the world has to offer with an eager enthusiasm. His excitement for the small things and love for simple moments spent reading a book or building with legos is a gentle reminder that kids get life so much more than we adults. He has recently discovered the word STOP. He loves using it. I am just holding out that he won't learn WHY for a bit longer!

young life

These are some of the kids I get to love on in Young Life. This was taken this past summer while we were at Saranac, a camp in upstate New York. I do not know if I can convey in words how much I love loving on high school kids. The Lord has filled me with His love for them and with that love comes heartbreak, joy, and everything in between. We live in a completely broken world and get close enough with a high schooler, and the effects of that could not be more evident. Girls have taken me in their confidence to tell me of their broken home lives, their unhealthy attachments to boyfriends, their doubt in the existence of God, and many more disheartening things. In return, I get to love them through it and point them towards the creator of the universe who loves them more than they can fathom. It is not all bad mind you, I have had some of the most amazing conversations this year as well. God is doing incredible things in this generation. I have girls who get the gospel and are living it out far better than I could ever imagine! There are times when I feel like I am talking with a friend my age, not a 17 year old! How exciting it is to see a young girl ON FIRE for the Lord. Living out her faith and NOT conforming to the ways of the world! I feel blessed to get to share in what the Lord is doing in the lives of young people.

the future?

With all my heart, I still want to pursue ministry full time. I am going to be applying for Young Life staff in the following weeks. With the state of the economy I have no idea if I will get hired to work for this non profit. I am putting full trust in God to direct me where He needs me. I love, love, love the boys I nanny for. The thought of leaving them makes my heart hurt. This family has loved me as if I am one of them. THAT is rare. They show me Jesus on a daily basis and I consider it an honor to take care of these kids. All this being said, I have no idea what the future holds. Either path will bring joy and sadness, but whichever it is, THAT is where I am supposed to be.