
A couple of weeks ago me and my family left Austin to head for the Gulf Coast to have some fun on the beach at Mustang Island. At the same time we were there the NW Austin area YoungLife team was also in that part of Texas planning their Fall semester of clubs and events.
I have a great relationship with YoungLife and because their wins our my wins we are able to see into each other's dreams and needs throughout the year. I love the exchange because ultimately we are chasing after the same things. We want to see students come to Jesus and we value relational ministry.
So when their area director called us and said, "Hey can you guys come up to the place where we are staying and let us be a blessing to you?" My wife and I loaded our boys in the car and headed to their part of the beach. That night we gathered in the condominium they were staying in to eat with their team.
After dinner I was talking with one of their leaders when I felt a change of light and silence in the room causing me to look up and see the faces of their college kids and leaders surrounding the table. That's when Billy their area director spoke up. For the next ten to fifteen minutes Billy looked us in the eyes and shared with his leaders everything that we do for students in NW Austin through Gateway and the Uprising. It was very humbling and for a few seconds I felt tears swelling up within me. It wasn't over the top or in lieu of any string attached. Quite honestly it was the first time in a very long time that anyone ever talked like that to us and in front of my sons.
What Billy and his team didn't know is that it could haven't come at a more needful time in our lives. The thing that I was struck with after it was all over was the fact that Billy intentionally or unintentionally taught his team of single and college aged leaders what it looked like to speak life and love to people who may never be able to repay it. For Billy I know it was from the heart.
I would encourage you to create a teaching moment like this for your staff, interns, or leaders. Think of ways and maybe even people who need life breathed in to them like this.












