One of the new endeavors I've taken on this summer is that of being a small group leader in the High School ministry department of the church we attend. When asked if I would consider the possibility my response was, "sure.if Emily says it's ok!"

Emily is our 15 year old; a high school student.which meant that she would be a member of the small group that I was being asked to lead.

It's been a couple of years (ahem.=) since I was in high school but one thing I have not forgotten is that there were times I really didn't want my parents hanging out with me and my friends. It didn't mean I didn't love my parents, it just meant.that sometimes I wanted to be "me" apart from them.

And so Emily needed to be the deciding factor in this ministry decision.

She said yes, and with that yes has come a new list of "opportunities" for my summer. Some come quite naturally to me; some are stretching me a bit. But I am enjoying every bit of it. Time spent with my 3^rd born is sweet time indeed, whether in a group setting, or one on one; whether in my comfort zone or in a stretching mode.

Miss Em is a 15 year old who is wise beyond her years. She's very quiet (quite unlike her mama) she's self-disciplined, studious, and always wondering why and what if.

I would love to take credit for each of those strengths, but quite frankly, I can't. Those characteristics are definitely her papa shining thru her. From me she received a love of being around people (just as long as she doesn't have to talk), and a love of reading - and, like me, she will read a favorite book again and again.

From me she has also received an appreciation of the One Year Bible. It is a sweet delight when she finds me, knowing we have read the same scripture that day, and says "Mom, you know where the Bible says.." And proceeds to share her thoughts and ask me about mine.

That's good stuff!

It is a delight to be her small group leader, and her mom. She's stuck with me as her mama but our roles of small group leader/student member will come to an end someday, either when she graduates in three years.or when the time comes that she decides she really needs another adult to mentor her in life and asks to be in someone else's small group!

But for today, she said yes, and that makes this mama's heart feel good.

Until next time.
Beth

Labels: Beth