Tonight out middle school students ventured out into the cold with songbooks, gift cards, and plates of cookies. This has become a tradition for us, singing to the folks who live in Hilltop Mobile Home Park and delivering plates of Christmas cheer. I’ve had a blast, and it’s a good way for us to be a blessing to others.
I’ve got some great memories of trips in the past. Loads of pictures of middle school kids who are now all grown up…and more than one pair of gloves that were borrowed and returned covered in candle wax! Tonight was cold–about 23 degrees. Some of the middle school macho men refused to wear gloves or a heavy coat, and one of the guys wore shorts!
Tonight was my last official night as the leader of XStream. I’ll still be involved as the coach of the folks leading the ministry, but it was my last night as the guy in charge, so to speak. I’ve been savoring each night, trying to hold on to the memories and thank God for allowing me to do what I’ve done over the past 11 years. We didn’t talk about it too much. Some of the students mentioned it. A couple of parents who showed up for the cookies and hot chocolate said some nice things. But I made sure to drop some totally-appropriate side hugs on the girls, and body slammed more than one guy tonight.
I know that the change is good, and that my family and ministry will be the better for it, but I’m going to miss Wednesday nights with those folks…
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