 |
| Junior High Ministry at it's finest. |
I did some cleaning out of an old box this weekend.
I love slowly going through boxes that are filled with memories. It was quiet. It was nap time. They were both sleeping and I was digging...digging through moments that held some sort of significance.
During my excavation I found three things that brought tears to my eyes.
First, I found a letter my dad had written me when I went on my Kairos retreat my senior year. (Shout out to my St. Lucy fam!) As I read it through tear-filled eyes I had to smile as he mentioned one of his favorite memories of me was my love for Strawberry Shortcake. The Bug came to mind. She LOVES Strawberry Shortcake too...a special something we can share. I was reminded of how much my daddy loves me and that always makes a girl feel good.
Second, I found an old journal. It was writings from about 8 years ago. I read every word. I read every prayer. It was moving and conflicting at the same time. It taught me things. It gave me hope. So much happened in my heart as I read those words. More than I can even share now.
Third, I found a stack of pictures. They were from a winter camp or summer camp or maybe even both. And as I looked at them more memories flooded my mind. Those were students that I had the privilege of leading. They were the first. They heard my stories over and over. Those girls. (You know who you are!) Each so beautiful in her own way and each so young, innocent and desiring to know her God.
I left the pile on my desk as a reminder to pray for them. Then at some point in this full day of celebrating my Savior, these words found their way into my heart.
"Tell, them about my love."
I let it sit. I let it roll around a while. And as it sat it just got bigger. I knew I could not go to bed tonight without writing to you, the students I've had the privilege of knowing and loving...those from the beginning to last bunch.
So tonight, I write to you, young ones:
This morning I heard our Pastor give an Easter sermon that moved my heart in a way that caused it to want more. More of my Jesus. At one point he said the words, "I love Jesus," in the most natural, sincere way. I wanted to not only say it that way but mean it that way. And, my heart's deepest desire is for people, people I love, have loved, or will love, to say it that way too. Actually, my heart's deepest desire is to share His love with anyone and everyone who will listen and receive it.
Young one, Jesus loves you. I am not saying this in a trite, cliche tone. I am telling you a truth that you need to hear today and remember tomorrow. Jesus loves you. You know the story. You know what He chose to do because of His love for you. This is good. So good. But today just focus on the Love.
Young one, no matter where you are, what you have or haven't done, He loves you. His love is not just a feeling toward you. It is a moving and living love that penetrates your being. It separates the yuck and the junk from the person He wants you to be, the person He created you to be. Love is the key, young one. His Love can heal your wounds. His Love can set you free from whatever has a grip on you at this moment. His love is unfailing. What does that mean? It doesn't fail.
If you spent some time with me in the past I'm sure I told you many things...probably more than you wanted to hear! My heart for each of you was for you to know that there is God who loves you and created you with a plan and a purpose that was not only for you but for something bigger...His Kingdom. But tonight, if this were the last time I could write or say anything, it would be all about His Love. His Love received brings transformation. His Love received heals your wounds. His Love received forgives your mistakes. His Love received fills up the empty space.
And once you receive it...I mean really receive it...open your hands up and ask for it...you won't want to keep it to yourself.
His Love received is meant to be given away. His Love received is an opportunity. His Love received is Love to give. It is the only way to live the life He has for you.
Young one, I don't know where you find yourself today. You may be far from the God who Loves you with a Love that changes things. Or, you may be sitting in His presence even as you read this. Wherever you find yourself right now, please, ask for it again. Ask for His Love to be made real to you today. Ask Him to fill you with it one more time. Ask Him to show you just how much He Loves you.
Then open your hands. Close your eyes. Sit and receive it. Fill up. Don't stop seeking it until you find it.
Then give it away because there's more where that came from. It's only the beginning. Ask Him to show you today how to do it...how to Love like He does. I promise it will change you. It will change your world. It can change the world.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. -- 1Cor 13:13
