You Can Make a Difference

“I am a loser. No one likes me. The world is better off without me.” Countless teenagers believe these negative thoughts. Students may be surrounded by their peers and yet feel completely alone – like no one would notice if they disappeared.

I don’t know about you, but it breaks my heart to think of children and teens who feel like no one cares. Feeling sad for these kids is not enough. It is time we take action.

What can you do to make a difference?

• Consider mentoring a student
• Volunteer to work with students at church, YMCA or other civic organizations
• Be intentional to get to know your friends children. Show them you care.
• If you have a teenager, get to know their friends.
• Go to sporting events or plays to support youth you know and to show you care.
• Commit to pray daily for students in local schools.

If it takes a village to raise a child, then surely it must take a Kingdom to raise teenagers who love the Lord. Leave a comment to share how you are making a difference in the life of a teen.

Balancing Act

We all listened with disbelief as the Great Nik Wallenda announced his plans to walk on top of a 400 foot tall ferris wheel without a harness or safety net. For him, its about balance and about faith.

I am learning that the same is true for me. Life is about balance and faith. Last week, I experienced a grown-up meltdown as I collapsed under the weight of life's constant demands. I realized that while I spend hours teaching other people's children and counseling others, I had little left to give to my own family and friends. Surely this is not what God meant when he encouraged us to pour out our lives as living sacrifices. In order to continually give to others, I must also continuously receive. Think of it like a sponge. I can only squeeze out the water that is in it; if it is not doused with new water, then eventually it will dry out.

Friends, we know in our heads that we need to make time for the Lord and for our family and friends -- why is it so difficult to do so? I think one of the greatest tools of the enemy today is busyness. I fall into this trap far too often.

So what do we do?  The answer is simple -- LESS.

Do less. This is so challenging for me; I want to do it all! The problem is that I can't do it all, and its my own stubborn pride that thinks I can. I am entering a time in my own life where I am seeking God's wisdom to help me to discern what He wants from me versus what everyone else wants from me.

This is a path I've trodded far too often, but I will trudge ahead and take time to rest along the journey.  With a little faith, perhaps my LESS will accomplish much MORE.