I am grateful.

The weekend at camp wasn't the best I've spent, which still is a little shocking.  I've had bad days at camp but a bumpy weekend is pretty rare for me (though the men's retreat group was a lot of fun with climbing).  It didn't help to leave with a slice to my hand from a razor-sharp can lid right before I had to drive home and having to worry about it bleeding again on the drive home in the dark, either.

Thankfully, Sunday things seemed to pick up.  Our music crew was a little (read: QUITE) anxious about the offertory with Corey and Hadley after things didn't go so hot during our sound check.  I heard things that, musically, displeased me and up to that point, hadn't been happening.  And furthermore, I didn't know why, either.

As it happened, I need not have worried.  The service music went well, the sound levels came together pretty well, and Kenny, Becky, and I were able to play for Corey & Hadley just fine.  More importantly, they were able to sing well and truly minister to not only the congregation but also to their Maker as well.  I've never seen a standing ovation for a church offertory, but it was a little exciting to witness that.  I was honored to be a part of that.

Gretel & Hansel Hansel & Gretel! What a hilariously witty, yet whimsically child-like drama!  Anesa hit a homerun with her dramatic retelling and the casting.  I was dying in my seat laughing watching Kenny lisp through that retainer and Kayela yelling at him the entire time.

And finally, youth group.  Sometimes, I freely admit I have no desire whatsoever to come and Sunday night was one of those nights.  I was worn out from working, I would have liked to kick back, and going all day nonstop on Sunday didn't interest me.  But I went anyway, in part because I said I'd be there, Pastor Jim was teaching, and I knew I needed to be there.

And it was most definitely worth it.  I haven't co-led a small group in a while, but last night I had the high school guys with Jordan and Leo, and discussing what he taught on King Solomon about what really matters in life.  Not only that, when it led to a discussion on some more difficult subject matter involving your life and legacy and how you proceed through this life, it was most encouraging that the guys were willing to step up to the challenge of not simply ignoring a "tough passage" (example: how do you handle tattoos?) when we asked them what to do with it through the lens of the Bible as a whole.

The more I think about it, the more I think working with youth group teaches and encourages me as much as I teach my kids.