I just arrived home several hours ago from our annual Back-to-School Retreat. At South Merrimack Christian Academy, we call this 3-day event RENEW. Although I have enjoyed the previous two retreats that I have attended with this school, I felt (for many reasons) as if there was an especially powerful spirit amongst those students and faculty who were there this year. After spending these days with 70 high-schoolers, I was reflecting during my drive home. (I had plenty of time to reflect because I was driving the luggage van and, consequently, my only companions were duffel bags and guitar cases.) I was reflecting on how much I enjoy working with teenagers.
I have worked with teenagers in some capacity ever since I was one. I must admit I don't always enjoy working with teenagers, but, for the most part, I relish the opportunities I have been given over the last decade or so. As I and my silent van-mates flew down I-93 this afternoon, I enumerated in my mind several reasons why I enjoy these young adults with whom I spend most of my time and for whom I expend most of my energy. As I thought of teens, four words came to my mind:
1. Energetic - Speaking of expending energy, I am thoroughly sore and exhausted as I type this. I spent the better part of yesterday afternoon careening down an extra-large Slip n' Slide on my stomach or skipping across the waters of Newfound Lake at 30 mph on a motor-boat propelled tube. Literally, I could have gone to bed at 7 o'clock and been asleep within 5 minutes. I didn't have the chance to do that, however, because I had to go sit in a bush for 15 minutes so we could play "Capture the Counselor" after the evening session. Indeed, working with teens is a tiring exercise because of the exorbitant amounts of energy they seem to have. This, however, is not a bad thing. It actually makes teenagers endearing. I can't prove this scientifically, but I think exposing myself to their energy may actually reverse the effects of aging in my own life.
2. Curious - One thing that I have discovered as a Bible teacher is that teens have questions. Usually, they have lots of questions. Many times, they have very deep, penetrating, and thought-provoking questions. Although they may not be as curious as your typical five year old, teenagers usually haven't grown up so much that they don't still have that innate thirst for knowledge. I love this about them, because I haven't yet grown up so much that I don't still thirst for answers. One of the things about their curiosity that has been so amazing to me is the fact that God has used it to further my own growth in grace. I try to learn as much from the teens as they do from me. I think this is a nifty little arrangement.
3. Potential - I count it a real privilege to be able to play a moderately significant role in the lives of young people as they reach their Junior and Senior years of high school. It is truly exciting to witness the beginning of their adult lives as they prepare to graduate and move on to "what's next." The thing that is so cool is the diversity of talents and personalities that I find in the students. It's fun to picture how they will be able to use their gifts to impact their world. I can only imagine that it's all the more fun to look back and actually see how they've impacted their world. I anticipate this eagerly as I continue logging in years as a teacher.
4. Genuine - As someone who is learning the value of true genuineness, I have to say that this is one of my favorite things about teens. Although there are exceptions, of course, I really believe that teenagers (especially the teenagers of the current generation) are some of the most genuine, un-hypocritical people you can find. For the most part, teens haven't learned the finely-nuanced art of "putting on airs." What you see is what you get. I find this quality to be very compelling. Even when "what you see" is disheveled, undisciplined, or just plain odd, it's refreshing to work with people who don't really know how to play the "Good Christian Game." This quality is also very convicting, because I am discovering that I have to be just as genuine with them in order to have any hope of having a lasting impact on their soul.
Someone asked me yesterday when I was groaning from the Slip n' Slide-induced pain in my ribs if it was worth it. I replied, "If it allows the kids to see me as a real person who enjoys being with them and is genuinely interested in their life, then, yeah--it's worth it." I'm not completely sure if sliding or tubing or hiding in the bushes shows the teenagers all of those things, but I can honestly say...It's worth it and I love it! (Most of the time! :-)
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