Day 6: A moment you wish you could relive

It was ninth grade.  I stood in a group with some casual friends of mine.  We were at a high school basketball game, but none of us was actually watching.  We had formed a circle, laughing and chattering and sharing all sorts of stories.  Several kids from the opposing school had joined us, and they were all cursing and talking about raucous subjects.  To my surprise, the kids I was with joined in without batting an eye.  I tried my best to stay out of the crude conversations, but I didn't want to leave the group , so I continued to laugh and talk with everyone without cussing or talking inappropriately.

At one point, a boy pulled me to the side.  "I've been watching you," he said.  "You're different.  There's something about you.  You stand out from the crowd.  I can't tell if it's the way you act, the way you talk... or what.   What is it about you that's so different?"

I was shy and timid, proud of myself for merely joining in a conversation that included people I didn't know.  I knew the answer to the boy's question: I stood out from the others because I loved Jesus.  I was a Christian.  However, I was embarrassed.  I didn't want to sound preachy or annoying.  I didn't want to look silly.  I stammered around for a few seconds before finally muttering, "I don't think there's anything different about me." 

"No, there is something different.  I can see it.  What is it?"

"Nothing.  It's nothing.  I guess I'm just a unique person," I mumbled and turned away from the boy and back to the crowd.

I dreamed about that situation for nights afterword.

I had a chance to share the Word of God with someone who didn't believe, and I lost that chance.  I failed the purpose God had for me in that moment.  To this day, I still feel incredibly guilty.  I hate the feeling of having failed God.  If I could go back right now, I would share my faith with that boy and chance a weird look or a mocking laugh.  I would embrace any ridicule I received. 

If you're ever in a situation where you're given the chance to share your faith- but possibly face ridicule- share your faith.  Don't let yourself feel ashamed of your choice later on when you have a moment to look back on the day.  Jesus is worth any and all ridicule.  Never be ashamed of what you believe.

With each year, seniors have stood before the high school and said, "Our class will be the one to help start a revival at San Jacinto.  We will not let you down."  And there have been individual seniors who have fulfilled their promises and helped bring SanJac into a new spiritual place to the best of their abilities.  However, in many cases, the promises made have been nothing but words spilled from the lips of children that fell straight to the ground like shattered glass.  It is very easy for words to remain only words.

This year is our legacy.  We are the leaders of our school for the next nine months.  It is our turn to take the step of leadership.  Our year.  We have two choices.  One, to unite as a class that is strong in Jesus Christ and help to point our school in the right direction.  Or two, to give the yearly promises like all seniors do, and then sit back and allow one or two individuals in our class to take the burden of leadership onto their shoulders alone.  Which direction will you take?  The choice is yours.

How will you be a leader this year?

Will you reach out to underclassmen to the best of your ability?  Will you befriend them, fellowship with them, and mentor them in a way that shows both respect and friendship?  Will you strive to make your words and your actions reflect maturity rather than foolishness?  Will you continue to grow in a relationship with the Lord even when life feels too difficult and chaotic?  Will you listen and allow God to mold this year into what He wants it to be?

Our class isn't perfect, and I don't think there ever will be a class that is.  But I am saying right now that I will try to the best of my ability to make this year something meaningful and worthwhile.  If you see me acting otherwise, do not be afraid to call me out.  Ask me, and I will do the same for you.  Sometimes it will be hard, but I know God has something big in store for our class and for our school this year. 

It's time to stand up, seniors.  Let's transform our words into action.  Let's transform our wishes into true faith.  Are you in?