Photos, notes and other artifacts collect haphazardly on our refrigerator throughout the year. It’s easy to choose what goes up and hard to pick what comes off. In particular I have a difficult time letting go of the graduation party invites, even though the occasion has long passed.

I have a like/dislike relationship with those parties. I like the free meals for weekends on end. The bottles of water and cans of soda swimming in a cooler are great but the cake! So much cake. And the party itself represents so much in the student’s life. The success of finally being done with high school and being able to move on to whatever is next: college, jobs, military services, life…

I selfishly dislike that these students have graduated. I dislike them not being around at the next Campus Life or the next trip. I dislike that in some cases it means they won’t be sitting on my couch or eating a meal with us as often. After all we’ve often spent the last 3 or 4 years together.

So it’s fun to have everyday reminders to pray for these students who are in their post-high school lives. I guess it’s why we leave it up there so long. It represents the tapestry of God’s work in our lives.

Even though it’s difficult to see ‘our kids’ growing up and moving on, it does make room for great changes. We’re seeing new faces at Campus Life every week. And just because we have new faces doesn’t mean we forget about the old … Our ‘grown up’ students will always have a place in our lives and will forever be a part of our ministry. Before long we’ll start seeing college graduations, weddings invites, baby showers and other important life celebrations coming from this group, just like the ones from past teens are arriving now.

It’s a humbling opportunity to be involved in these student’s lives, both the messes and the celebrations. All of these occasions are an opportunity to point to a Savior who loves them so much more than we ever could.

And none of this is possible without you. So thanks for all the prayers, support, love, gifts, etc … Let’s keep at this critical work, friends. After all, there will always be the next generation desperate to hear the Good News…