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It’s been raining in Phoenix for two days straight. Now understand, that for the greater Phoenix Arizona area, raining for twenty minutes at a stretch is a major rain. People are complaining that the church leaks, the roads are slippery and there is mud everywhere in their homes. As I lay in bed last night listening to the rain and thinking how inconvenient this weather is for some, I became acutely aware that there are many people here in town whose “homelessness” precludes their complaining of these “inconveniences.” Suddenly, the mud, the leaks and the slippery driving seem like blessings to me.

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Although working in parish Youth Ministry can be a lot of work, there are some times that I truly think God speaks to me. One of those moments is listening to groups of teens praying the “Our Father” at the end of meetings or sessions. Perhaps finding God in this way might seem strange to you, but for me, just closing my mouth and listening to the adolescent rhythm of these groups while praying that universal prayer is just a reminder that I am where I am supposed to be right now. Next time you’re leading a group, just listen to them pray.

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Do we spend too much time trying to “make” others understand our ministries? Most of you reading these updates are either in youth or performing arts ministry. We’ve got two of the most misunderstood ministries in the Church today. I am trying this year to “defend” less and “do” more. After all, if these are God’s gifts to me (or God’s gifts to you), why do I need to “convince” anyone? Convincing gets in the way of my being an artist. Shoes. Dust. Shaking. Next.

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Me: Holy Spirit, give me courage to do what you have asked of me?

HS: You doubt that I would?

Me: Maybe?