Five Minute Friday: See

Today, I'm linking up with Lisa-Jo Baker‘s Five Minute Friday. The rules: Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.

This week's prompt: See. 

Before Sunday School began, I laid down a bag of Peppermint Pretzel Slims I planned to nibble on during the lesson.

Moments later, I moved to talk with another student. As I returned, I saw a student snatch the bag. He tried to do it covertly but failed miserably. 

So I went up to him and asked him for my pretzels.

Aghast, he responded, “How did you see that?!?”

To which I responded, “I see everything.”

Of course, I was joking when I said that.

I don't really see everything. But as a youth worker, oh how that's my prayer.

I long to go beneath the surface and to see teens for who they really are; To see beneath their manifesting behaviors to the pain and joy that lies underneath.

I want to see the lonely child, to ensure that on my watch, no one feels invisible.

I want to see that kid as God does.

Despite my best efforts, I often fail at this.

Sometimes, I'm too selfish to notice what's really going on. Sometimes, I'm distracted – by others in the room or even my own life.

But always, always this is my prayer:

“Lord, help me to see these teens as you do.”