I have been a Youth Pastor for 7+ years now. I have seen a few "ministry trends" come and go. There have been different "styles" when it comes to reaching students for Christ. This is not what I struggle with. I struggle with the fact that there are so many things "to do" and taking the time to figure out which is priority over the other! O and then you have to factor in parents, youth, and pastors. :-)) Gotta love that! Everyone has an opinion on which is the most important thing in your ministry. I honestly wanna scream sometimes. Maybe I should, maybe I should leave this coffee shop I'm in and go outside and scream. Ok, maybe I will later, I don't want to get arrested.

But truth is, with all these voices around me I do struggle with prioritizing what is important for the day. Cuz we all know at the end of the day, we have to neglect something. Here's what I mean... because our work is never truly done, we have to leave something "undone" for the day! That is difficult when everything has such value. Fundraiser details... it would seem that I could put that down, but the money raised allows students to go on trips that are meaningful and potentially life changing. Ok, what about trip planning- this potentially could be life changing or determine whether or not a kid will ever come back to "any" church, let alone yours... no pressure right? What about regular youth service- our kids who had the courage to invite a friend, you know the one who actually bought into this idea of "friendship evangelism"... if we have a "lame" or "un-organized" youth service, they will lose credibility with their friends and they will eventually stop trying. I honestly could keep going, but I do have to do some school work now... cuz you know going back to college and finishing my degree gives me "credibility" with the pastor/ parents/ and other church folk. (insert scream here!)

Lesson, I have to learn that I work as hard as I can when I'm @ work... yea, I do have to draw a line in the sand, work can not come home with me. I have to do as much as I can @ work and hope that what I am doing God will honor and bless. I most importantly have to listen to His voice and follow that above all else. Cause He knows what is MOST VALUABLE.

Stick to the plan, even if others don't get it immediately, trust that what I am doing will "stick". O, and it's ok to scream occasionally! :-)

God guide me and help me remember that I do this for You... and know one else, in Jesus' name. Amen!

Colossians 3:23