Subscribe to the NetworkGUEST POST: Little Things Are a Big Deal
Recently I told my youth group that I would be resigning as their youth pastor and moving to make disciples at another church. It was a pretty awkward weekend, but after the dust settled I’ve been able to have some great conversations. It’s weird how it takes leaving for us to be able to see how much of an impact we’ve had on teenagers’ lives and how little we may realize what the little things mean. As a result of that, one of my students wrote the following to me on Facebook and I thought it would be cool to share it with the global team of youth workers:
“I believe without a doubt that God ordained the time you came to our church. The fall after you came we went on our Student Leadership Team retreat and that is when I wrote my first poem. I wouldn’t have written poetry if you wouldn’t have been here. That is important because the March after that retreat, I almost committed suicide and you and [your wife] came and sat on my driveway with me. You told me to write to get my emotions out. I was able to get through the weeks and months that followed because I could write poetry. Those poems were written in some of the darkest moments of my life so far, and so of course, they aren’t very uplifting. (lol) But over time I have started writing poetry for God. Its like a huge circle that starts with anger because of change, and ends with worship because He’s worthy.
I wouldn’t have told you all this but God brought it to my attention the other day and I felt like I should tell you. I didn’t want [our old youth pastor] to leave. I hated the whole situation. I don’t like change. But God knew that I was going to need poetry. He knew I needed someone to bring writing to my attention. He brought you to our youth group for a reason. And now he’s taking you to another one for a reason.
What felt like my heart was being ripped out, was done so that a year later I wouldn’t commit suicide. I see God’s hand in that. Its awesome. Thanks for being a part of Gods plan in my life.
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Sean Kahlich is the Minister to Students, Ridgecrest Baptist Church and blogs at Awaiting Epiteleo. Every weekend we post a GUEST POST from one of our readers. Want to be next? Send it in!
Minister to Students, Ridgecrest Baptist Church
