i had a long work day on wednesday, and when i picked up the boys that night they both asked me about my day. i told them i had seen Jesus. of course, they wanted to know more. i explained to them that i had spent my day on a Christian college campus, talking to students and teachers so i could write about them. and i saw Jesus shining out of all of them. the day was such a major blessing to me. i wish i could have taken you all there. if you could have seen how confident, cool and full of faith these kids are, you would understand why it is so important to model Jesus to your kids. i want my kids to WANT to serve others and feel valued and to trust in God. i can tell you a million stories from that day, but the thing i carry with me is that they were all so excited and passionate about serving. they loved the fact that the campus provided them with so many opportunities to get out there and help the world. feeding the poor, mentoring kids, habitat for humanity, working in third world countries--these kids were lit up about all of it.

most kids i know at this age are lit up about themselves and getting new things and hanging out with their friends.

see? there is a difference. it hit me over and over again.

i will tell you two cool stories.

the first boy wanted to go to a Christian college but his family didn't have the money. he told me he knew God would provide, and the school gave him a football scholarship. he played for one year and said he felt God calling him to do something else--something that needed to happen during the same time as football practice. so he quit the team and gave up his scholarship, not knowing how he was going to pay for college but having FAITH that God had it under control. he and a few friends started an after-school ministry for underprivileged kids and that ministry has grown and grown. his eyes were on fire when he talked about it. and he doesn't ever worry about tuition money. somehow, it always comes through. he says he knows it always will. he was beautiful and kind and i really really could see Jesus just glowing right out of him.


i talked to a girl who wants to be a teacher. she decided to go to an inner city over her break, live in a homeless shelter for three weeks and work in a junior high full of homeless kids. all by herself--without friends or a group or anything. she said many of those kids brought their own kids to class. the girl was the sweetest, most wholesome thing you'd ever see--had never even taken public transportation. she said the trip was the best thing she's ever done. it changed her life, and when she graduates she wants to teach at a school like this in a big city. she could care less about a paycheck.

needless to say, the day affected me. i want to raise my kids to be like this--but i know that first I need to be like this. my brain is as full as my heart right now, trying to think a few things through. i don't know where all this will end up, but i do know that God has my back. if i keep that in persepective, the rest will fall into place.