The girls of the class of 2013

Its funny when you realize one decision can change your life. That there are times in our life when God opens a door and you are hesitant to walk through it. But when you look back you know that is exactly where you were supposed to be, and that every step along the way has lead you to that moment. This is a story of my journey with saying yes to a question I felt I wanted to run from. But instead I walked through the open door.

I will never forget the day that I was asked if I would consider working with high school ministry. I could hear myself saying yes but inside I was completely freaking out. How was I supposed to help high school students on their walk with God? I hadn't been a Christian long enough and I definitely hadn't been walking with God long enough to be able to teach anyone anything.

I will never forget the first time I met the girls from the class of 2013. I realized a short time later that I was ten years their senior and when I would be celebrating my 10 year class reunion when they would be graduating from high school. I was terrified the first time I met them but I left feeling different. I felt at home. I'm not sure if that had something to do with the amazing co leader God had put me with or all the young energetic faces I found around the table that night.

That night was over 8 months ago, and it seems like such a distant memory. Now Wednesday nights have such a different meaning. They represent a time when I come to minister to young adults but more often than not I am left with my heart filled with more love and compassion than I came with.

I think back to myself 10 years ago at the age of 15 and I wish I knew half of the things I know now. But since I do I wanted to tell these amazing girls something. I pray that you wake up every day and thank God for all of the blessings in your life, good or bad, small or big. That you remember that every day is a gift. That you take time to get to know the people at school that you might not give a second glance to. That you remember that you don't have to have everything figured out by now. That everyday is a journey in self discovery and discovery of who the person God wants you to be.

These girls are amazing, they are beautiful, they are full of life and laughter. They have changed my life is ways I never thought a group of high-schoolers ever could. And I know the day may come that I may leave this amazing group of girls but part of my heart will always be with them.


They have taught me more about life, love, forgiveness, joy, laughter, and compassion than I have learned in my entire 25 years on this earth. And I thank God everyday that he opened this door and that I had enough sense to walk through it.