Bright Lights and Confirmands

My grandfather loved Post-It notes.  They were all over the house.  Most of them were reminders to my grandmother of things he wanted her to do.  I think this was written on one of those Post-It's.  "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." 3 John 4.  After my grandfather died, my mother took that Post-It in his handwriting and had it copied and framed with one of his ties for each of her siblings.  

I have always loved that scripture.  It speaks so well of what my grandfather wanted of his children.  Reflecting on that piece of scripture, I think, that is all I want for my children.

Sunday was Youth Sunday at church.  Eight seniors will graduate.  I have known most of those seniors since they were in elementary school.  Their mothers are my friends.  I remember them romping on the hill at my house during barn parties.  Lost legos and water gun fights.  Yesterday, they led us in prayer, they spoke to us from the pulpit.  I cried with those mommas, because I love those kids too.

Nine 6th and 7th graders were confirmed.  Our daughter was one of the four girls.  She spent most Sunday mornings of the past year leaving her sleep overs early to go to confirmation class.  There were retreats and fun Saturday afternoons with her mentor.  She claims Fran as hers.  I can tell they will be friends for the rest of their lives.  And I am so thankful for that relationship.  I have always cherished my mom's friends that were my friends as well. 

Blakely learned more about the kids in her class.  They have matured and grown as friends.  They have grown deeper in their faith.  The four girls in this group will always be friends. The girls have been in church together for most of their lives.  They all go to different schools but church is what they share.  That is special, not everyone has a church family.  While the boys are still icky boys, she does respect them.  

Thank you Rebecca Tucker and Daren Brauer for leading these kids.  I can't put into words how much we appreciate your dedication to the faith journey of some silly middle schoolers.  I noticed yesterday how excited they were to be confirmed.  They did this with your help, but they owned their accomplishment and they were proud.  

And to my mom.  It was so sweet to sit beside and you sing Methodist hymns I know because of you.  Rebecca thanked the parents for making the dedication to get their children to church to participate in Youth and confirmation.  I need to thank my mother.  When I was in middle school she let me make the decision about my faith.  It took me longer, because I was a bit of a rebel.  I didn't want someone to tell me how to love God.  I eventually saw that love is love.  You aren't taught how to love God, you are taught how to love and respect people.  And that is loving God.