Youth Group

It has been my experience every time I join in on our church's youth group, I take away so much that applies to me.

Sunday night, one of the youth leader's brought out a rope that was close to 80 feet long. It was to represent eternity. He taped about 4 inches of that 80 foot rope with bright red tape. It was a representation of our life, here on earth, in light of eternity. In other words, if we live an average of 80 years and we trust in an eternity promised us by God through His Son Jesus, than that red portion is our entire earthly life. Such a small, small, small portion. Ya with me so far?

And, that as a 16 years old, your life is about 20% complete. In other words 20% over. At 16. Most teens, especially when they get their license feel like life is just beginning. That when high school is over or graduation from college happens, that is when life truly begins. Maybe when you get married or have kids or get a real job, that is when you really start to live a real life.

But, his challenge was, at 16, you are right in the middle of life. That just because your young you don't have to wait to "live life." That teenagers can be making choices now that effect their eternity and the eternity of those around them. He encouraged those youth to be thinking about eternity NOW and to be thinking and doing and acting on how to share the good news of Jesus to as many as they can and challenging them to be thinking about how many they could be taking with them to eternity in Heaven. They are living their real life right now and it has great importance.

I have no idea how many were listening. I saw some paying attention. I saw others on their phones. But, I know I was listening! If at 16, a life is 20% over, I was busy doing the math at how much of my life here on earth was complete/over. It challenged me to stop thinking about the "cares" of today and really focus on words, actions and deeds that have eternal consequences for me and those around me.

I don't fear death. It brings me great comfort to know that I will spend an eternity on a new earth with God, Jesus and all of those who have chosen to put their faith and trust in Christ. But, for the last 40% (fuzzy math at best) or so I have on this earth, I want to make it my goal to make an eternal difference to as many as I can. No matter where I am or what I am doing.

I have no idea what it will look like for me from day to day. And sometimes I just need to do the very next thing that brings honor and glory to God. And that can be as simple as reading a book to my "baby" or joyfully doing a task that hubby has asked me to do or serving breakfast in a poorer part of town loving those kids and sharing the Gospel. Or maybe someday it will include traveling to a foreign country being the hands and feet of Jesus to those who have never heard the goods news before. I just don't know. But, one thing I do know, is I am going to be more intentional with my remaining 40% here on earth . . .