Waitin' for the Weekend!!!!

A lot of the things that are happening right now make this one of the best times of the year.  It's feeling a lot like spring with sunshine & temps in the 70s, March Madness begins tomorrow, spring training means that baseball is sneaking up on us, and NFL free agency is in a frenzy.
But this weekend is one that I look forward to all year because it is our time to hang out with around 60 amazing high school students and adult leaders on our annual retreat in the Poconos.
We get away from our routines and enjoy some time having fun, relaxing, decompressing and connecting with God and bonding with each other.  The opportunity to escape from the usual "noises" in our lives and hear God's voice is priceless for students to be able to take the next steps in their relationship with Him.
Eternal commitments will be made, memories will be forged and relationships will be strengthened forever . . . and I am so thankful for a great group of friends who work so hard to help make it all possible.
Sure, the weekend may involve balloon launchers, flying snack foods, buckets, tennis balls, bandannas, blindfolds, night games with glow sticks, very little quality sleep, and an 85 yr old man sharing Justin Bieber song lyrics . . . but that's all a part of student ministry . . . investing in the lives of teenagers . . . living life and having a blast with them . . . helping them to understand God's unconditional love for them . . . showing them what it means to take ownership of their faith . . . and watching His STORYLINE for their lives continue to unfold.  THIS is why we do what we do!!!