Take Me Out to the Ball Game

For our Youth Group end-of-the-year activity, we played softball -- parents/leaders vs. students. I think the last time I played softball was in Grade 11 for PE, so my skills were certainly lacking. However, out of the ten-plus times I batted, I only had two strikes, one pop-fly, and the rest were fairly good hits. Plus, I was in right outfield, so I didn't get too much action with so many right-hand batters out there. I wish I had photos to share, but I had so much fun, I didn't think to take any or ask anyone else to take pictures.

At the ball game and the BBQ that followed, I got a chance to talk to some of the youths' parents. Unfortunately, none of the parents of my senior youth girls were there, but I was able to chat and say some nice things to a few parents about their kids. One kid, B, was a little goofy, but has a wonderful sense of humour, has a kind heart, is very friendly, and has shown leadership qualities. B had the ability to pick up new skills and concepts easily; for instance, he has practiced piano for about a year and can now play many contemporary songs easily. Another boy, J, appears very quiet and calm, but J showed good independent thinking skills and does not give in to peer pressure easily. Plus, he was great at sports. Finally, M and C, older brother and younger sister, whose family opened their beautiful house (more like a mansion with a ginormous yard that spaciously fits a pool, basketball court, trampoline, fire pit, and two donkeys) for the BBQ, show a lot of potential for leadership in the church, both in very different ways. M presents a tough-guy, but charismatic personality and is a little skeptical about Christianity, but every so often will show interest in certain kinds of worship and contemplates certain theological questions; on the flip side, C is a very shy, friendly, and obedient young girl, but is learning to strengthen her trust in Christ.

At one point in the evening, one of my senior girls who is graduating this summer reluctantly pointed out that this is her last youth group night. I told her that it is actually the beginning of a relationship with the church and God for her. She would be joining a College & Career group in the fall and she would learn so much more and still have lots of fun. Of course, we would miss her presence in senior youth and she will miss us for a bit, too, but I know God has great plans for her and I'm excited to see her grow. She hasn't been with the youth group for very long and does not come from a Christian family, but she has asked so many great questions during discussion and her own responses show understanding of the faith. I was very happy when she (among a dozen others) stood up to take a vow of purity during a unit we had on sexual purity. To this day, she still wears the purity ring to show her commitment to save herself for marriage, which is really refreshing to see when so many other teenagers have already given up their virginity by age 18.

I'm a bit sad to see youth group nights end, but I will try to keep in touch with my girls throughout the summer. We have already made plans to cook together and go to Playland together. I thank God for where he has placed me and my girls.