And I am not just talking about my future though I am excited as I begin my last semester of seminary this week. The last three years have flown by, but I digress. I am talking about the future in general. As someone who is specializing in ministry to youth and young adults, the prime age of most in the military, I tend to work with those who will be shaping the policies and daily things in our lives over the next few decades. What I have found interesting is how many people as they get to my age, but mostly those a few decades older seem to think that the younger generation will not live up to their own accomplishments. I haven't been able to see much of a difference on a macro scale that others with more wisdom and age claim. On the micro and individual scale I do meet many younger people that leave a lot to be desired. I have also come to realize that my views may be a bit skewed due to my extensive work with youth and young adults that is long term in nature. But it still doesn't prevent me from defending those who are coming into their own right now. They have changed my life and will soon have that effect on others as they go forth in the world. This weekend showed me that there are many bright spots out there beyond just my own circle of youth and young adults that I work with.
I had the privilege of interviewing a number of high school seniors this weekend for a highly selective scholarship at Georgia Tech. I have never met or heard of any of these students before so they were definitely outside of my circle of youth. And from what I heard from these students, the world is definitely in some pretty good hands. They will not all go to Tech nor will they all get a scholarship there but they each have some great enthusiasm and energy to make their mark on the world and each in a different field and for different reasons. There were a few that humbled me in what they have already accomplished at a young age and just how amazing they are compared to me now, much less when I was back in high school. It was a pleasure to have a vivid reminder of just how amazing the youth that we run into truly are. Sometimes I get used to the wonderful students that I work with and think that I get to work with all the good ones when in fact they are just a sample of the talent in the youth and young adults all around us. Now if I can just figure out a way to make the church understand and tap that talent, I think things would be better not just for the church but for the world in general.
