Writing Your Summer Story

We love story. We get to know characters, we become enticed by an exciting plot line, we even fall for the drama of conflict. We are drawn to story- in the lyrics we listen to, in the films we watch, in the books we read. Too often, though, we forget that we are part of a story – we are characters dealing with conflict, setting out for new adventures, engaging in relationship with others. We fall victim to the mundane day-to-day life, and forget that our story, too, has rising action, a hero’s journey, a character who wants something… More than that, though, we forget that we are part of the greatest story ever told.
 
I was reminded of this recently when re-reading an article in Relevant Magazine by Cara Joyner. She writes, “Jesus sent the disciples out and then they kept moving. They never settled into a church routine that centered around them. If we accept the invitation to be a part of what God is doing, we capture the vision of a Kingdom infinitely greater than our own. This is where the adventure starts and the wild ways of God overturn our still, quiet worlds. Maybe it carries us across the ocean. Maybe it settles us right where we are. But the truth is that regardless of circumstance, there is a powerful, passionate story on the move and we are called to join. Whether or not we see it will be determined by where we choose to look.”
 
As we begin the YouthWorks 2015 summer, youth groups, churches, and families are embarking on adventures in trust, relationships, and community engagement. From the cross-country travel to spending a week living in a church/school while serving strangers, thousands will be writing a new part of their story in the greater context of God’s story. They will share holy moments, they will be moved to action, they will question injustice, and they will strive to be like Jesus. These are critical elements in any story.
 

Character transformation is another critical element to any story. A character grows, develops, overcomes conflict, and perseveres through the course of their story. As participants, adult leaders, families, and staff encounter their mission trip moments and share their YouthWorks stories through the course of the summer (and for years to follow), they are actively engaging in the Gospel of Jesus. Loving, serving, guiding, being in relationship with others – it’s all part of a great, wild, wonderful story.
 
As you venture into your summer, actively participating in the greatest story ever told, consider these elements of your story and pray through them: the funniest part of your story; the hardest part of your story; the easiest part of your story; the part of your story you are proudest of; the part of the story that changed you; the mentors in your story that guided you (say thank you); the part of your story that inspires; the part of your story that happens next.
 
Your story joins with thousands of others to create a beautiful rhythm of God moving in the world. Live into it fully. Cherish the holy moments in the midst of the busy. Be transformed. Share it with others.

After working in a church as a youth director for six years and going on numerous YouthWorks trips, Sami is excited to be serving youth leaders as a Church Representative. A lover of Jesus, teenagers and Diet Coke, Sami admires those who spend their time being secretly incredible by providing quality opportunities and experiences for the youth, churches and communities they serve. Highly caffeinated and ready for adventure, Sami spends her time away from work gallivanting around the Twin Cities, discovering delightful coffee shops, finding good food, and enjoying the company of friends.