I went to High School today…I mean I visited one, not attending one…I did attend several years ago.
We were handing out backpacks the school social workers and counselors for youth in need.
The “teenage” years are so pivotal and sometimes uncomfortable especially if you are poor and/or your parents live in constant poverty situations. Times are hard and teens don’t need that added pressure while at school if their families can’t afford the basic needs such as backpacks, pens and pencils and other school supplies.
It was a lot more this:
Than it was this:
We dropped the backpacks off at various schools today, with the knowledge that there are nine additional high schools to connect with before we are done. I looked down the hallways of those high schools and I saw a ghost of myself; scrawny, projecting a macho attitude, and yet scared…I was still naive and unsure of the world around me at that age. I couldn’t imagine having to go without something (like a backpack and school supplies) while enduring zits, ridicule from peers, mounting pressure to grow up way too fast, and dealing with constant assignment due dates in various classes.
Walking those overly waxed hallways made me realize how much we need to pray for our young people. They need our support in prayer and in encouragement. Sometimes they may act like complete grumpy bears but deep down they are searching for significance in life and we can help shape them if we just take the time to care and understand them.
Can we help connect the dots?
Can we provide a listening ear?
A Shoulder to cry on?
Can we be a friend?
Can we be role models?
This school season, let’s support our youth as best we can, after all, they are our future leaders!
Something more to ponder today!
-God Bless!
Pastor's Ponderings 
Definitely good thoughts to ponder. Teens don’t need ridiculed more for their “grumpy” actions. They need a non judgmental ear or place to go and vent to, even if all their problems can’t be fixed. Which makes me think about why adults don’t get involved. I believe it is hard to hear sad stories or know their is a need and can’t do anything to “help” or “change” things so they just stay away from being any kind of support. Somehow we have got to change the thinking of adults to being there more than needing to be a money supplier of some sort.