Yes, it is true. I'm leaving Youth Ministry (as a paid job at my parish). Yes, you read that correctly, the rumor is true, and here's the reason...
Over the last 6 weeks our parish staff has been looking at our organizational chart trying to figure out how we can become more efficient, provide more for our parish, and basically direct the staff and in turn ministries. After much prayer, my pastor discerned that I would be his number one choice for this position because of skills and gifts he's seen in me. I took it to prayer, my mother, my spiritual director, and trusted friends to get their opinions about my skills, the ministry that I already do, etc...
I decided I would take it!
6 weeks ago I would never imagine myself moving from one aspect of Church ministry - the youth - to basically helping to direct the entire parish. Yeah - unbelievable, directing the goings and comings of the entire parish! As Father put it last night, the hub in the center of a wagon wheel with all of the spokes coming from me!
Will I miss Youth Ministry? YES, of course I will - I know no other ministry in parish life. Youth Ministry was my only career goal as a young person. I love working with the teens, I love the relationships I have with them and their families. The small window they've provided for me into their life is priceless. They've help make me into who I am today.
However, I feel like this is a gift from the Lord. Have you heard that story about a man who's entire neighborhood is flooding and his house. He prays for God to send rescue him, so a boat comes by and he says, "no, the Lord is going to rescue me" - the water rises and another larger boat comes by, and he says, "no, the Lord is going to rescue me" - then the water is so high he has to go to his roof and a helicopter comes, and he says, "no, the Lord is going to rescue me." He dies, of course, and when He gets to Heaven, the first thing he asks God is why weren't his prayers answered! God says, "What do you mean - I sent you two boats and a helicopter!"
This job is my boats and helicopter - I ask God to take care of my life, and I tell Him that I put all of my trust in Him. So, within that act, I need to take the opportunities that are presented to me. Not saying that you should always say yes to every proposition - then you'd have Jim Carrey from Yes, Man. And that's not really what we're going for - HOWEVER, Jim's character experiences many new activities because of this "yes experiences" that he would never do otherwise.
I need to do a little more 'yes' in my prayer life, take chances, move out of my comfort zone. This new position provides all of these things for me to grow as a person.
The transition is going to be really difficult, but great things come from difficult change. I'm sure the program, the teens, and myself will grow because of this experience.
I appreciate your help as I transition, your support for the new person (whenever that comes), and your prayers!
Over the last 6 weeks our parish staff has been looking at our organizational chart trying to figure out how we can become more efficient, provide more for our parish, and basically direct the staff and in turn ministries. After much prayer, my pastor discerned that I would be his number one choice for this position because of skills and gifts he's seen in me. I took it to prayer, my mother, my spiritual director, and trusted friends to get their opinions about my skills, the ministry that I already do, etc...
I decided I would take it!
6 weeks ago I would never imagine myself moving from one aspect of Church ministry - the youth - to basically helping to direct the entire parish. Yeah - unbelievable, directing the goings and comings of the entire parish! As Father put it last night, the hub in the center of a wagon wheel with all of the spokes coming from me!
Will I miss Youth Ministry? YES, of course I will - I know no other ministry in parish life. Youth Ministry was my only career goal as a young person. I love working with the teens, I love the relationships I have with them and their families. The small window they've provided for me into their life is priceless. They've help make me into who I am today.
However, I feel like this is a gift from the Lord. Have you heard that story about a man who's entire neighborhood is flooding and his house. He prays for God to send rescue him, so a boat comes by and he says, "no, the Lord is going to rescue me" - the water rises and another larger boat comes by, and he says, "no, the Lord is going to rescue me" - then the water is so high he has to go to his roof and a helicopter comes, and he says, "no, the Lord is going to rescue me." He dies, of course, and when He gets to Heaven, the first thing he asks God is why weren't his prayers answered! God says, "What do you mean - I sent you two boats and a helicopter!"
This job is my boats and helicopter - I ask God to take care of my life, and I tell Him that I put all of my trust in Him. So, within that act, I need to take the opportunities that are presented to me. Not saying that you should always say yes to every proposition - then you'd have Jim Carrey from Yes, Man. And that's not really what we're going for - HOWEVER, Jim's character experiences many new activities because of this "yes experiences" that he would never do otherwise.
I need to do a little more 'yes' in my prayer life, take chances, move out of my comfort zone. This new position provides all of these things for me to grow as a person.
The transition is going to be really difficult, but great things come from difficult change. I'm sure the program, the teens, and myself will grow because of this experience.
I appreciate your help as I transition, your support for the new person (whenever that comes), and your prayers!
I think you will do a great job. Everyone needs to move out of their comfort zone once in awhile. It helps you to grow.
ReplyDeleteLove, Mom