Wyldlife Winter Weekend 2017 and Farther Along

“So much more to life than we’ve been told
It’s full of beauty that will unfold
And shine like you struck gold my wayward son
That deadweight burden weighs a ton
Go down into the river and let it run
And wash away all the things you’ve done
Forgiveness alright”

“Farther Along” by Josh Garrels

This weekend I had the incredible privilege of leading a cabin of girls at Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Hatteras’ Wyldlife Winter Weekend. Words will never be enough to thank the Lord for allowing me to love his dear ones. I do not take the honor lightly.

Coming from leading high school and college students, middle schoolers rocked my world. They are so funny and CUTE. And it was weird to be some much older than the students I was ministering to (ten years older, to be exact). These dear girls and boys are just forming and becoming who they will be forever. As I looked around, I could see their futures stretching forth like tape. And I had the sweet gift of getting to influence where that tape would lead them. Into the Lord’s lovingkindness or not. Ultimately the choice is theirs. It’s wonderous mystery, what takes place between a soul and its Maker.

As soon as we arrived at Triple R, I was flooded with memories of my walk with the Lord and how Young Life has played such a huge role in shaping my story.

I remembered being a brooding 16 year old who just wanted a friend.

I remembered the most popular girl in school asking me to hang out.

I remembered only going to camp because I wanted more tagged pictures on Facebook (yeah… hahaha whatever it takes!)

I remembered having THE BEST week of my life at Rockbridge in July 2011.

I remembered a full-grown man dressing in a diaper as a big baby so I could laugh until it hurt.

I remembered those sweet tears I cried after hearing the cross talk and seeing scenes from The Passion.

I remembered my first twenty minutes-exactly where I sat and what I prayed about-hearing the voice of the Lord for the first time in my life, beckoning me to come home.

I remembered getting what the big picture was all about and understanding that I was now called to love my friends.

I remembered having my first kiss on a bus home from YL camp (with Will Cox standing 2 feet away… no idea what we were thinking lol).

I remembered meeting my best friends at Young Life camp. And they are still my best friends to this day, having stood by me through the hardest moments of my short life.

I remembered all of Grassfield campaigners coming to visit me in the hospital after I had a softball sized tumor removed from my pancreas.

I remembered leading at Oscar Smith high school and giving my first club talk (I cried in the bathroom beforehand because I hated public speaking).

I remember leading my first cabin of precious Great Bridge and Smith girls.

I remember praying with girls to commit their lives to Christ and invite Holy Spirit into their hearts.

I remembered that it was my old young life leader who I called when I had to go to the psych ward after a mental breakdown.

I remembered all of it, the big stuff and the little stuff.

And I got to watch a God wrote each of those kids’ stories this weekend. Some of them making a decision that would change the course of their whole life.

I got to pray with girls to accept Christ. (side note: one sweet girl I prayed with had one request upon entering new life: she wanted to dance to a nickelback song…. I know, it’s hilarious).

I got to watch friendships form that may last those girls and boys their entire lives.

And it was all a gift.

I will never be worthy to experience the fullness of life that comes with ministering the gospel of Christ. But boy am I thankful for grace.

All a gift.