Some Insights
Age is All in the Body
Why is it that the body slows down before the mind? I spent this past weekend at a youth retreat. I have been doing youth retreats, camps, convos, events, etc. for over 30 years as a staffer. This is the first one where I noticed that I didn't seem to have the physical energy to keep going for the weekend. I found myself sitting down and watching more often. My back was hurting more on the uncomfortable cots. The unseasonably cold weather seemed to take more out of me. I hated going to another building to shower and go to the bathroom.

My mind enjoyed the weekend. I don't think I have lost my thinking like a youth worker. The body just isn't as willing as it used to be. Of course there are a few things I should (and really need to) do. Lose some weight (since I am nearing that unhealthy level). Do some exercise. Take care of my body. I long ago gave up drinking and smoking, so have a start on it. It's either that or give up on youth events.

Thinking About Yaconelli
That of course is natural on a youth retreat. I was especially thinking about the changes in youth ministry that Mike was talking and writing about. He was challenging youth ministry to become dangerous. He wanted youth leaders to see their task as making disciples. He wanted youth pastors to challenge the fun-n-games, safe-place where the world and other things never get in. In short, he wanted us to make disciples.

So perhaps it is time to give up on youth events like we have done them. I thought of that the other evening as we had to lay down rules and then think about enforcing them. At times youth retreats and camps become games of stealth to see who can get away with sneaking out, etc. I sat there and wondered how many more times I wanted to play cop. I wondered what all that had to do with being Christian and helping young people discover their mission and call.

A Neat Quote
The leader at our church planters' retreat last week reminded us that we need to be careful that we "never allow our vision to shrink to the level of reality."