True Love

After a whole summer of playing soccer mom, taking field trips, being pulled through museums that I would love to spend hours in, and coordinating pick ups and drop offs, I've been dragged around by Junior High girls anywhere you can think of.

Tonight was our weekly Bible study where I try to focus them for at least 30 minutes before we have some snacks and hang out. The range of conversation is from people who look like cats, to Harry Potter to One Direction. It's crazy and ridiculous, and I love every minute of it. Honestly to me, it doesn't matter if I get them to focus for more than 30 minutes, I think helping them build community and love each other is just as important. Of course I'm overjoyed to hear their perspective on the Gospel. Especially if it's similar to my views, and even more so if it's honest. Yes, sometimes I get one word or one sentence answers, but every once in a while, the Lord intercedes and I see His heart in each of them.

Yes, there are distractions. Yes, there are stuffed animal birds that chirp and cause distractions, and OBVIOUSLY we need to talk about Harry Potter and cute boys, but all of that is just who they are. And I think that's beautiful. There's something about the fact that they are willing to be themselves and be crazy and loud and obnoxious. I know that's not who they are in their "real" world of school and I'm so glad I can provide that safe place for them.

Obviously I wish I could talk about Christ with them, but I think that comes in time. I also think they haven't quite lived enough to completely get it. Yes, Jesus saved me. I've heard that my whole life, but what does that really mean? I don't think they're asking that question yet, and I think my role is to prepare them for the walk that He takes them through. I think I'm here to not only be a confidant and friend, but to be a role model for the next generation.

I'm so glad for the time I get to spend with them every week. Literally, all I wanted to talk about tonight was Harry Potter with them. And that's awesome. That shows that I've become a part of their world. And I don't want to leave it. Every second I think of leaving this summer I promise myself I'll be back. And maybe that's where God wants me. Maybe that's why He put me here. Because He wants me, He even needs me here. Isn't that cool to think about?

I loved every second of tonight. I loved the conversations. The love they showed to one another. The love they showed to me. I can honestly say that I truly love these girls. And that's only because Christ changes my heart toward them. I think that's true love. Living out what Christ did for us by loving others. Because His love is the truest love we know, so how else can we experience it unless we love others?

These girls have my heart. And I am so glad for that. God's plan is revealing itself to be more beautiful than I could have ever imagined, and that is so wonderful.