My work with youth, at my advanced years, reminds me of the balancing act of serving. Either extreme is useless. Too much service and they depend on you for their spiritual health and protection (rather than on Jesus). Too little service and all they see is me - which can be a false portrayal of Jesus.
The need for balance drives me to my knees - daily. Even now, after a significant event with several youth, I find myself agonizing over their daily choices. Although I have known this for years, I'm reminded that my only recourse is prayer. Hard and steady. My favorite prayer becomes, "God, just show them the truth."
