I have a lot to share this week, but I will split it with another blog post for another time. There's too much to weigh and marinate that I can't squeeze it all into one post.
My three Giant Killers, a.k.a. my kiddos, went on a youth retreat this past weekend. They were a wee bit reluctant to go because they didn't have any friends attending. I had some hesitancy myself, but I knew they were supposed to go. When the kids were younger, it was healthy for our children to lean on our faith, but now that they are older, we believe it's just as crucial for them to cultivate their personal faith and relationship with Christ. We also desired them to encounter God without having mom and dad hovering over them and watching their every move. Moreover, they needed to be with other like-minded Jesus Lovers their age.
About 130 teenagers attended from Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Different ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds represented the sea of faces. The retreat center was about two hours away, tucked away in the mountains of Pennsylvania.
**I am skipping to the drive home and will save the details of the retreat for another post.
My kids shared that the last large group session was dedicated to the campers. They didn't have guest speakers come up and preach; they invited the kids to share their testimonies. My trio expressed it was a wake-up call kind of moment to listen to the personal stories. Firstly, the degree of vulnerability was surprising. Secondly, the boldness was admirable and inspiring.
People, who they now call friends, shared very openly how they never had a relationship with their fathers. Some talked about physical ailments that run generations deep. Depression was more of a popular topic than anyone wanted it to be. One new friend courageously expressed how she had a horrible few weeks and planned to make last week be her final one. She had planned on committing suicide. She wasn't the only one who opened up about pain that cut so deep that they didn't want to live anymore. Loneliness doesn't discriminate. All three kids described that listening to so many people their age were hurting and in pain was sobering, but you would never notice because everyone puts on a good show.
After disclosing more stories about the retreat, the kids finished their lunch and took a catnap while my husband and I drove in silence. It was disheartening to think about all the kids who feel so hopeless that they want to end their lives.
I asked the Holy Spirit what my kids could do. I heard Him say, teach them how to be a good friend. Scripture instructs us that friendships are a part of life. Train your kids to be a Jonathan to a David. Guide them to be a Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to a Daniel.
Jesus modeled friendship with His 12 disciples, especially to the "The Big Three," Peter, James, and John.
Being a good friend speaks truth of value and identity. A friend listens and offers sound advice. A friend supports mountain highs but consoles during valley lows. A friend prays during all seasons of life. A friend encourages and protects. A friend reminds friends that they are not alone and that life is worth living for.
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
~Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)
Being a friend takes work. Let's make the conscious effort to be a better friend, the kind of friend you wished you had.
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