This is where I leave you. Except not that because… WORLD
WIDE WEB, and I’ll only be a few states away.
During the summer after my freshman year in high school, our
church took a small group of girls to a Methodist Youth Conference called Youth
’99. It was a national Methodist youth conference that only takes place every 4
years. We flew out on a Wednesday
morning and landed in Knoxville, TN before lunch. We spent the next four days
taking part in a whirlwind of inspiring, relatable speakers and worship that I
will remember and cherish for my entire life. I also spent those 4 days telling
my youth minister, who is now my sister-in-law, that I had decided I wouldn’t
fly home. I hate flying. Actually, I suppose it would be the crashing or
falling I’m not really into. I was adamant about finding an alternative way
back to Texas. But by the grace of God (and possibly over-the-counter
sedatives) I was able to board the flight and make it home.
This year brings Youth 2015. I’m boarding an airplane later
today (possibly with prescribed sedatives) with 21 kids and 8 other adults for
Orlando, FL. I have high hopes the plane won’t crash, and if it doesn’t we will
spend the 4 days worshipping and learning about Jesus. We’ll also be promoting good behavior, decent
hygiene and love-your-neighbor for our youth ages 13-18… which will also
involve Jesus and the most divine powerful God himself.
Our group will join thousands of other youth and adults in
this adventure. Knowing what I know now from 1999, I can’t even imagine what
God has in store for all of us over the next few days. I mean, the resort has a
Starbucks ON SITE! Pretty sure that’s evidence of divine favor.
Unfortunately, when our planes lands in Texas this Sunday we
will have less than 24 hours at home before we meet again to leave for church
camp which will last until next
Friday. I’ll spend about 5 waking hours at home over the next 10 days.
Essentially, we’ll unpack, shower, repack, sleep a little, then head off for
camp. It’s gonna be a rough, busy, crazy, exhausting, incredible 10 days, but I
know I’ll come back with a mind that’s been reset on things that are eternal
and a heart that loves others more intensely.
I’ll be posting pictures of the craziness as I go. Be sure
you are keeping up on my Facebook page! Click here.
Feeling very optimistic, but maybe that’s the sedative…FROM
THIS SIDE OF THIRTY.
Labels: Spiritual Growth
