Simply Full: senior sunday

I hate May. For the past 5 years my Mays have been characterized by an endless stream of tears and an endless recitation of the phrase, "I hate change." And this is not an exaggeration, a hyperbole to make the beloved blog sound better, I really do hate change. And as a result, I hate May- because in youth ministry, May is the month of change. It is when all my girls officially graduate high school (which is a good thing, I realize), and begin to move on.

Now, for those of you who are wondering if I have checked my calendar, I realize it is only April. But for me, May-- the dreaded month of change-- officially began yesterday as we celebrated Senior Appreciation Sunday at the church. It is the time to honor, and challenge, and encourage these students who have grown up in our body before they head off to college, head off to a time when their life and their faith must really become their own.

This Senior Sunday was particularly emotional for me because this class of girls is particularly special to me. They were the youngest of the first group of students I had at PCPC back when I was only a sophomore in college. (Weirdly, not much older than they are now). They were 11 and absolutely adorable. I loved them from the very moment I met them, but couldn't have imagined how much I would love them now. Back in the day, we could have driven around for hours in my old Rodeo with the windows down, sunglasses on, and dancing over and over again to "Hey Juliette"-- they were always so encouraging about my 4 dance moves!! Back in the day, conversations consisted the boys they had crushes on and were talking to on AIM, and whether or not they should cut bangs! Back in the day, they were just little girls.

But today, these little girls have grown up. And yes, we still have an occasional dance party in my car, and have had more than enough talks about boys. But there is so much more than that. These girls are now young women with whom I love to spend my time and share my heart. They are people whose faith in Christ is a great encouragement to me. Somewhere over the past 7 years, "my girls" have grown from my silly little students to some of my dearest friends. The Lord has blessed me beyond my wildest expectations. I am so thankful for their friendships and for their presence in my life.

Yesterday, my heart was filled with joy as we honored them, but my heart also broke a little- for in a few short months, as they go off to school, they will be taking a piece, a big piece of my heart with them.

To all my girls- I love you so much! What a joy and privilege it has been to walk with you all these years. I can't wait to see the paths and the plans that our God has laid out for you. My prayer is that you will walk on those paths with courage, and that you will always, in everything, "fix your eyes on Jesus."