This week we got more teens involved in the lawn care business. I've tried to pair up a teen worker with one or two families, so that they can have adequate time to build relationships as well as become comfortable with working in their yard. For example, I took one boy, Steven, to the Ogrosky's house to mow and weed whack. The first time we went I did half the work, but now I just drop him off and he knows the routine. It's great because it frees me up to help incorporate more kids, while at the same time it demonstrates that Steven has learned the essential skills to do the work as well as interact with his "employer".
I also took two street leaders (high school interns) along with me and Tayvon (a 14 year old boy), to do some work for Alexandra. I have to say it was a pretty rigorous digging job done in hot and humid weather - quite a first day on the job for the boys, but they came through splendidly! I really hope they come to appreciate the value of good, hard work as we continue to do it.
The same night, I took two other boys, Quessy and Lil' Mark, to do some mowing and weed whacking at the homes of Jeremiah and Chris and Beth Whiting. They did a great job, and hardly needed any supervision on the first go around. It was especially nice because Chris and Beth cooked extra food and had us in for dinner when they finished. It was exactly what I envisioned - young people being employed by people from the community who are willing to start lasting relationships with the young people. That small, simple dinner was actually quite invaluable in my opinion. The boys didn't just "cut someone's yard"; they did work for a friend and for a community that cares about them and that will invest back in their lives. I consider these small, but very important steps...
At the end of this week, though, I find myself a little exhausted, and even a little stressed. I think exhausted is fine, but stressed is not so good. And the thing that is frustrating about this stress is that I know exactly from where it comes - lack of intentional rest and "quiet time". One thing I have realized while being a part of this ministry is that I need to be way more intentional about my periods of rest and my private times studying the Word and praying. This is because there is always work to be done, and I can fill up every second of every day with good work, but that is not the best way to spend one's time. Everyone needs to be replenished in order to continue serving well. And that is exactly what has gotten to me. Just like everyone else, I need to say "Right now, it's just me and my Father in heaven, and that's it". And it is actually quite hard to follow through on that when I'm replacing that time with meaningful activities or work. Please pray for me that I would not fall into that trap of misconstruing my priorities. I cannot allow my serving God to come before my loving Him. The relationship comes first, and everything else, every good work or gift of giving, flows out of that love relationship with Him.
