I am going to Cedar Point with the teens today. I must admit I love amusement parks. I also must admit that a certain amount of anxiety sets in as I board the roller coaster and continue to slowly click up that first big hill, one of the reasons I prefer the newer roller coasters, much much faster.
Amusement parks with teens are a lot of fun. Especially teens that have never ridden a roller coaster before. Each time we go my husband and I are usually privileged to introduce some unsuspecting teen to the wonderful world of rollercoasters. I will never forget two young junior high boys many years ago sitting right behind us in a roller coaster screaming at the top of their lungs and holding on for dear life. I couldn't help but laugh out loud the entire ride.
Amusement parks are where relationships are built. It's a different kind of teen that you get to know as you journey together from ride to ride and sometimes seem to have to wait forever weaving through the lines for a ride that is sometimes barely worth the wait. Or is it? When you have spent the time talking and laughing and getting to know students, there has even been a tear or two shed during those times in lines. It's amazing how much students are willing to open up when you have the time to just chat. Not a moment is ever wasted on those days, only the ones not taken advantage of.
Amusement park days are long days, they start early and end late. And it's tough to be the one driving home while everyone else is sleeping. But totally worth it when you see and hear them tell their parents how much fun they had. And you see the new relationships forming because just because you are best friends does not mean you like the same rides.
I have a confession as I am preparing to head out the door, pick up a couple of teens and fill my van with gas before heading to the church to start our adventure. It's days like these that are hard on the mom side of me. Could I take my kids? Sure, they would have a blast too, but spending the day with my kids at the kiddie rides and not in line with the teens means that I would miss out on all of that relationship building. I told my oldest that maybe I would let him come next year. I am sure he is tall enough for the rides, and it would be a lot of fun. But for this year I will be out of the house probably before they wake up this morning and home long after they have fallen asleep, I will kiss their heads and whisper goodnight to them before falling into my own bed into a deep deep sleep. But I also know that in the morning I will be awakened by whispers, and yells, of "where's mommy?" And lots of hugs and kisses by four sweet children who may miss me today, but it won't matter tomorrow.
And I'm sure that some day, when my kids are older, someone will be making that sacrifice for them. The sacrifice of time with their own family in order to invest in the lives of mine. A total worth it sacrifice.
I still am in awe that I get the privilege of being a youth pastor. Of spending my time pouring into the spiritual lives of some pretty amazing teenagers. Not just the ones we are investing in now, but all of the ones we have invested in before. I hope they know the impact that they have made in my life, and I love to see how God is using them and shaping them today!
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