Letting Go

Lessons in Humility

Speaking at the IMP campfire 

The last few weeks I've been reminded again, it's not about me.

Up to this date I have four weeks of Idaho Mission Project (IMP) completed, three more to go, and I have worked with 10 different church youth groups over those weeks. I say this to the groups and will say it again here, the weeks keep getting better and better, especially because I have more and more experience and more and more ways that I can adjust the program to make the mission week better for the group.

But one of the adjustments is learning to let go.

The last two weeks I've let the church groups lead their own campfires: picking the songs and having the students or leaders speak rather than me. That choice led to one of the best weeks of IMP that I have seen so far. The kids took to heart my challenge to become one and tap into the unity of Christ. Their talks at campfire were personal and intimate, sharing struggle and pain yet pointing out and finding hope in Jesus. Those kids were so much closer to each other by the end of the week, truly knowing each other and sharing each other's burdens as a Christian body should.

And I did nothing.

Guitar practice at staff meeting

One of the biggest lessons of leadership I have been learning is the art of empowering those in your care. Give them the tools, show them the way, walk with them...but above all don't pull out the cart and drag them down the road where you want them to go. Don't take the tools from their hands and do it for them. Even if you think your way is better. Even if you could do it faster.

IMP servants pick raspberries at Food For All

I could have talked those kids to death. Beat them over the head about unity and loving one another and the importance of starting with each other before trying to serve effectively. I know that lesson. Lived that lesson. But my boss challenged me to let go and involve the kids more in the campfire. So I stepped back. And it was the best decision I ever made. Those kids were effective all on their own. All I did was facilitate and provide the opportunity, and I am humbled and grateful that I got to do that much!

It's not about me. Not about what I can say, not about how impactful I can be, not about how much I can move these kids to action. It's not about me.

Crazy I have to keep learning that lesson, but it's true. Observing it in myself, observing it in others, I believe that the self-consumed mind is more destructive than any one thing. So ironic that all these blog posts are about me. But God is patient with me just as these youth group leaders have been patient with me. And perhaps one of the greatest lessons I took from my time in YWAM was this: resting where I am. Not stressing about who I needed to be or needed to become, but resting in what God is teaching me right here and now.

And that, my friends, has made all the difference.