Walking with Youth
snow, snow, snow!
Today as I took a short walk to clear my head from hours of staring at the computer screen, the sky was a clear vivid blue with white clouds painted sporadically throughout the scene. Over to the west, dark clouds were starting to form, waiting to slowly move through the Spokane area with yet another storm. This winter has been a challenge for most of the people I know, even those who enjoy winter. The snowstorms and cabin fever of this winter have tended to create a feeling of restlessness among many who are anxiously awaiting the arrival of sunny warm weather.
One thing that I have noticed this winter is that the youth have had the best attitude about it. They have embraced the weather, enjoying the winter sports in which they partook. But this is not a new attitude for the youth I work with. They approach life with a measure of hope and love of fun. They look for opportunities to meet people from all walks of life and find new experiences. Youth are the best teachers! We need to spend time with them, talk to them, listen to their music, watch their videos and hear their stories. They have so much to share! Through them we can learn a new appreciation for things we have come to take for granted.
When we appreciate the gifts the youth offer to us then we can truly connect with them. We can journey together to learn about our faith and explore unknown spiritual paths to God.
