Giving & Receiving

So I have been lazy and I haven't really written a post since I got back from New York. As Christmas approaches I have been so incredibly busy. My sister and lots of friends have come home for the holidays. I am trying to make as much time for them, but it never seems to be enough. I keep dropping plans to hang out or have lunch and it falls through. I thought the holidays were supposed to be a happy time. I had finally decided the holidays suck and I was done, but someone brought me back. Well, a few actually.

I volunteer full time at my home parish. The amount of work I take on is ridiculous and half the time I am so underprepared. It's not fair to me or the kids, but somehow it gets done. Last Wednesday I showed up to yet another event and poured the rest of my energy into it like always. I was so worn out, but this one girl just needed to talk. She seemed to be going through a lot and we talked it out. Even though I wanted to collapse on the couch her need made me stay alert and focused.

One of the other kids must have noticed how I helped the other girl and opened up to me with a real problem. I was just there doing my job like I do every week, but this time I felt like I impacted a few of them. For the past four months I have given talks, sang silly songs, and played games. I can't remember the last time I just sat and listened. Whether the kids know it or not they gave me the best Christmas gift. They reminded me why I wanted to pursue youth ministry in the first place. I wanted to make a dent.

"You can't change the world, but you can make a dent."   

                                  -Edward Norton as Sheldon Mopes in Death to Smoochy

Read more: http://www.toomanyquotes.com/movie_quotes/you-can-t-change-the-world-but-you-can-make-a-dent#ixzz1hQn82co9