You never know what you're going to get!

"What are we doing tonight?"

"Why are there no chairs set up?"

"Josh, you look funny!"

Student ministry is definitely interesting! I've been at it a year and a half, not real long by any means, but I still never know what I'm going to get. Sometimes students are drawing mustaches on each others faces in highlighter. Sometimes they are wearing clothes or glasses to get attention. Sometimes they're having a good day, and you can laugh and joke. Sometimes, they're having a bad day, and are totally different people. Anyway, I never seem to know what I'm going to get.

Last night was no exception. Youth group was filled with excitement, some good, some bad. Afterward, one more surprise was thrown my way.

A group of students were gathered in a circle and said, "Josh, come 'ere." "Okay." I said, not knowing what they were up to, or what to expect. I stepped into the circle, and they said, "We just want to pray for you." They proceeded to thank God for bringing me to CCC, saying they were lucky to have me. They prayed for me to have strength to deal with students, to run my half marathon, and just in general for me. It was truly a blessing.

Without even knowing it, they were fulfilling Hebrews 13.17, making my job a joy, not a burden.

You never know what you're going to get in student ministry! But not all of the surprises are bad, or weird. Some of them are tremendously encouraging, and refreshing, and for those surprises I'm thankful.