Our youth group grew like weeds at one point in the past year, rising to an amazing 62 at one point. But since Jan. 16 when we had 52, it has shrunk and shrunk and shrunk until there were 31 there last week.
Two of the leaders of this group have decided to go to another church. We have no idea why. It is very disconcerting. Then we were turned down for a grant that I thought was a no-brainer, having gotten one the two years previously. What was going on?
But what we've decided is this: How dare we complain about the 30 we're missing when God has given us 30 to take care of?
We're reminded of the disciples when this happened:
" Late in the afternoon his disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat.” But Jesus said, “You feed them.” “With what?” they asked. “We’d have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people!"
You know the rest, probably. Jesus fed the 5,000 with a few fish and loaves of bread.
My point is this: All we can do is all we can do. We can love them, and be faithful. We can do what we believe Jesus has called to do. And we can be thankful for the ones He has given us to be faithful to. After all, Jesus entered Jerusalem one final time with the crowds shouting in joy. Less than a week later, they were shouting to crucify him. It happens.
We will continue doing what we do, believing what we believe. Working hard, but cherishing every Wednesday night.
If the ones who left ever want to come back, they will be welcomed.
God is good, all the time.
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