Pretending I'm not tired.

Two major events in one week, what was I thinking? I'm already exhausted from keeping two jobs. Tax season is both a blessing and a curse. It has brought me extra employment but a lack of free "me" time.

Last week I took on a task I've never really done before. I planned a party. Sure I was an RA in college, but those events can't compare. I was given the idea to have a decade themed dance for the youth and children. I decide to call  it a "Decade Diversion" and invite the entire church to come. Easy enough, right? Wrong. Party planning is actually quite difficult. There are decorations to consider, PG music to download, games to create, and a killer costume to find. Luckily, I have some amazing volunteers who went decoration hunting with me. My love of older music came in handy for song selections and a trip to Goodwill produced my 60s' housewife look.

The party was a great time. Everyone looked fantastic in their decade gear. It was mostly youth and a few families who came out to the party. Nevertheless, we danced and laughed. Every smile, or "Great job!" that came my way reassured me that my hard work had paid off. As we were cleaning up someone said to me, "It's a shame more people didn't come." You know, that thought had not really occurred to me. I've never been a numbers person. I'm a give it your all even if only a few people show up kind of gal. We did something out of the ordinary and there was a great turnout from the young people of our church. That's what I call success. 

The second event of the week was our 30 Hour Famine for the youth group. None of my youth had ever done a fast before. I am very proud of how (most of) the youth behaved during the 30 hours. Hunger never fails to bring out the more difficult sides of some. For the first time in my short youth leader career I felt like I had to put my foot down. I had to let the youth know what I would and would not tolerate. Guess I can be inducted into the club, "I am a youth leader that has raised my voice," now. 

The power of fasting is overlooked by a lot of Christians. It's a disciplined sacrifice for God. Giving up a few meals grounds a person. I've never come away from a fast thinking it was a waste of time. This year I thought about how God uses us for bigger things. God can take anything, as small as it may be, and make its impact spread so much farther than we can imagine. I am thankful for organizations like World Vision that put together such a wonderful program that truly makes a difference in the lives of children around the world as well as in the hearts of our youth here.

Lately I've been tired and distracted, but it just goes to show that when I set my mind to something and let God in, it will turn out just right!

-KP