april '04 - the 2 word sentence YOU long to hear

Team Training

I kept my first. I just got my latest. I've saved most of them in between. why? because they all have a unique blessing. and yet, they all give a general sensation. they stir my heart and remind me why I do what I do. they have a way of ministering, encouraging and uplifting my spirits. .curious yet?

it's a thank you card! simple, but meaningful. short, but sweet. concise, but deep. Each one has a flavor - but the reason they're given or expressed is because somewhere along the way.something was done that made a difference.

from the paint ball wars and all-night events to the one-on-one conversations and small group gatherings...from the phone calls during the week to remembering birthdays...from the times of praying to the moments of shared laughter, I think all of us as youth workers desire to know that what we're doing in the lives of students is making a difference!

what we want to sense - is that in some way, shape and form - God is using simple ol' you and me to impact the hearts of those students we live alongside. maybe it's not a BIG thing - sometimes I think we all hunger for a simple, sincere: thank you

let's face it: 'thank you' isn't a phrase that easily flows out of the mouths of those we serve. oh sure, they may say thanks for holding the door or helping them carry their 100 pounds bag they packed for a 2 ½ day weekend retreat up a 1 mile hill, through the mud.but at the end of the day, can they say it from their hearts, full of appreciation for the sacrifice we've made by being a youth worker who's faithfully there and willingly engaging them in their world?

I want you to picture Jesus. go ahead. the Bible paints a picture of our King that displays great encouragement to those who serve Him. it says in Matthew 25:31-40 that what we've done unto the least of these, we've actually done unto Him. it's like Jesus is peeling back the corner of our reality so that we see a supernatural reality, that as we're serving the people He surrounds us with, we're actually serving Him! WOW!

I want you to picture Jesus again. I want you to close your eyes and imagine with me. that we actually serve a God who whispers the 2 word sentence you and I long to hear! THANK YOU! as those words roll off his tongue they are a sweet sound in your ears, they stir your heart with appreciation, they quicken your pulse with excitement, widen your smile with His tenderness and grip your spirit with the warmth of His love.

we serve a King who whispers: THANK YOU!

you're on a team whose leaders say: THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

with all of our hearts: Tom, Seth and I all extend our deepest and most meaningful thank you for your partnership of the Gospel in the lives students. I know the life of a youth worker isn't glamorous, fancy or completely fabulous at times. it may seem like you come week after week - giving your best and going underappreciated by those to whom you willingly serve.

but we notice. God notices. students even notice - and sometimes they'll even express it to you! so treasure those times, bottle 'em up literally and figuratively within your heart. You're a Kingdom Builder, an Impact Player and our MVP!! THANKS for giving your best for the students who call Casas home and those God has yet to bring! Keep it up! You're needed and appreciated! It's worth it!

your biggest cheerleader (without the skirt),

-jack

Making It Personal

1. take a moment & remember a meaningful time when a student expressed some gratitude to you for what you do or have done (either thru a card, note or conversation). write it out in an email & briefly share it with us in a few sentences
2. remember some students or other people in your life who've said you've made a difference in them.
3. pray that God would strengthen your resolve to serve Him, by serving students! to be an impact player!

Shout Out

Email Jack one theory/tip/thought that stuck out to you...

jack@casaschurch.org

click here to see Leaders are Learners archive