What I Learned from Kids Today

So today at youth group, where I am the "fearless" leader, we did "Your Questions Answered" - a lesson borrowed from our former Youth Pastor (and valued mentor). The youth submitted questions for me to answer (as best as I can). Many were silly questions about my past and who I am, which is okay, because who wouldn't want to know that my favorite color is purple and that I am afraid of bats. But there were some deeper questions: why is patriotism good; why does God love us unconditionally; is emotional pain good; how can we know truly what God wants for us. These were some great questions, and we spurred some great discussions.

One question troubled the middle school and high school youth. According to a recent survey (see "The Group"), 85% of youth will cease attending church by the time they are in their junior year of college. I told that stat to the youth and they expressed their disbelief. I asked them whether they thought they would leave the church in college and how they would try to maintain their faith. It was an interesting discussion. Some of the youth even promised that they would still come to youth group while in college. It is a noble aspiration, but I fear that percentage number may have some validity. In thinking about it, my question might be better addressed to the adults - what will you do help the youth maintain their faith . . .

Interesting thought

And thus ends another year

Yep, once again, Mock Trial is over. We finished in the Elite Eight at State this year, but did not place in the top 3. Is that okay? I think it is. I think mock trial is about teaching students about our system of government and judiciary. It's about understanding what we do. It's about meeting other students. Somehow, that message got lost this year. Somehow, pride and vanity and envy took center stage. It was sad to see my senior students in tears, partly because it was their last year, but partly because they didn't advance further. However, the fact remains that, in my three years as coach with two other fine attorneys, the team has taken themselves to the Elite Eight each of those years. That's a measure of their dedication. To denigrate that by mourning the absence of "First Place" makes me feel that we taught nothing. Then again, I am the teacher coach, not the fun coach or the father coach, so it stands to reason that I did my job and filled my duties. I have sincere doubts that I will coach next year. It's too straining on me.