Busy signals

Have you ever called someone and got that annoying busy signal? Ever think God is calling us and hearing that same annoying noise?

I have just finished reading "Growing Souls" by Mark Yaconelli and it was great. It is so funny, but I have been bothered by something for quite a while now and I could not place my finger on it. You see last fall I took my youth group to Night of Joy at Disney. It was pretty cool to see David Crowder, Chris Tomlin, and Third Day in concert with the castle in the background. Praising God in the Magic Kingdom for all to hear was amazing as well. As I looked around the park I saw so many teens walking in groups, each one completely oblivious the worship around them. Between text messaging each other, and listening to I-pods, how could they possibly see God at work! A few months prior to this I was in Orlando at a Starbucks and witnessed approximately 10 people sitting in the lounge area on laptops. No doubt busy in their own little world, not aware of anyone else in the coffee house. A thought came to me. How can we possibly begin to have a relationship with Our Lord and Savior when we have lost the ability to relate with each other. We were created for the purpose of worshiping God, and for relationship with each other!!! In this fast paced world of "high speed internet," Visa check cards, ("don't let cash slow you down!") text messaging and email, we have lost contact with intimate relationship.

Mark's book brought the troublesome feeling I was having to light. Recently I have begun weening the youth at Prince of Peace from their fast paced lives into a slower, more contemplative time. On some Sunday evenings at Youth group we will break from "the plan" and enter into a "quiet time" placing God first in their lives. We have a beautiful campus here with a lake and garden area. It was a struggle at first, but the more it occurs for them, the more they enjoy it. As a matter of fact two of my kids noticed that with the time change they can watch the sunset during this time on the lake, and are amazed. I write this to let you know that it is OK to go against the grain with your youth, and to give them something that the world cannot, time with God. He is waiting. AMEN