Come to think of it... it actually sounds a bit like Christmas tree. :|
Hahaha...
I told some... that this retreat is pivotal to my own growth as much as it is for the guys. I purposefully planned out the schedule, gave out the roles and left the rest for them to sort it out amongst themselves. It was, in a very real sense, planned to gauge how far they are in their initiatives and their proactiveness. The fear of knowing that things may not turn out the way it should be... it was real. But then again, I had to trust... and He allowed me to.
I joked that I'm prepared to eat just toasted bread and drink plain water should things go wrong... Haha.
No disappointments at all. :)
I know they might have been grumbling with regards to certain ground rules I laid down for the retreat... but they kept them really well. Discussion and planning sessions were taken seriously, the barbeque was great... amazed to see how they worked together, especially in the clearing up. :)
But what's so amazing about this bunch... is their heart for God and for one another. I guess sometimes I'll just have to remind myself that youths will always be youths... and it warms the heart just to see how they can bond close together despite the many differences they have and the provocations and "jokes" they throw at one another. :P
It truly is a learning journey... one which I'm glad that each of them's willing to take together in Christ. We may never be perfect on this side of the earth... but we'll remember that He'll be in us and with us in this road of sanctification as we strive to be more Christlike with each passing day... and the day of glorification will come as He comes again.
And that... is Christ in us, the hope of glory.
To know what really matters at such a young age... to have that kind of heart... such great assets.
It has been quite a number of years for some of you... and a couple of months for some. I'm sure you guys know that this is just the beginning... and as how some of you have rightfully pointed out that it may be a really tough road, I'm thankful that all of you have chosen to be in this together, to know that it wouldn't be ourselves... but He who'll see us through.
Thanking the Lord that each of you seek to know and love Him more each day given your ages... and as with what's been prayed, I pray that His sovereign and perfect will shall be met out in each and every one of you.
Be it the branches or the stars... always remember that He's the vine and the light. There're many areas in which we can and will grow in... but I hope that you will give no compromise in your personal growth in your realtionship with Him... to know that that will be the relationship where all else flows.
And yea... always remember the promise... that it's not "if" it grows... but "when".
Yet another beginning... but one that's worth it all... yea? :)
It's been a privilege knowing and leading you guys. :)