"It's not goodbye, it's see ya later!"

I should of written this last night while all the thoughts and emotions were fresh on my heart and mind, but i didn't have the composure to do so. So, instead I took it all to bed with me, and I shared it with God, and with Shayne.... this last year and half has been like no other year. It's been the best year of my life, hands down! I got engaged to the man God brought to me, I got into grad school, and I had the blessing to work with the youth (teens) at my church. And, don't get me wrong I'm not downing the first two at all, I could write about Shayne for days. Or about how excited I am to continue my education and get a little closer to my professional goal. But, this morning I am writing on my experience with youth ministry because I'd honestly say it's been life altering. Working with these kids, changed me... it changed my perspective on a lot of things, it made me hunger for the Word more so I'd always be prepared, it made me wanna be a better person, with a character and reputation that they'd want to follow. I can't explain what it means to turn in to the church and see a full parking lot, and hear them say "BS your late". I know there are a lot of good kids out there, but these guys, they're different. They're real, and they're committed to their faith and to one another, and to me. Last night as we brought our ministry together to a close, due to separation with college, marriage and absence of me being the leader, I got it! I got it in a way I had never grasped it before, as we're taking pictures of tear filled eyes, lingering around to the very last minute, and studying the Word on how to be sincere in our relationships, I saw it. I saw God working in that building, and I was sad, but so so happy. I cried because this chapter has ended, but inside, my heart was screaming with joy about what's next to come. These kids are gonna be BIG, they will be making differences on college and high school campuses, they will press on. I will press on! I was overwhelmed with pride, I don't think they will ever know how proud I am of them, or how much I love each of them. So, as we walked out of our youth center last night, and locked the door... we ended a chapter that everyone thinks was the climax of life thus far, however, I see it as the foundation of things that are yet to come... things that are SO much bigger. GOD has big plans for all of them, and for me, and I pray and hope that together we will hold each other accountable, and always seek out God first. So, guys if you are reading this you know what I say: Listen to God first in everything, know who your friends are ( accountability) and love as if its all you know how to do, and of course HAVE FUN! Youth Ministry together may be over, but us as friends and siblings will NEVER end. So I won't say good bye... just see ya later.