I am blessed beyond what I could ever have hoped for or imagined, because this past weekend, at the Steubenville/St. Louis/Mid-America Youth Conference, I experienced every youth minister’s dream. I just spent yet another awesome conference weekend with 2000 amazing teenagers, filled with faith, hope, and love. And, I was able to be in the presence of hundreds of dedicated youth ministers and chaperones – truly superheroes of this world, who give unselfishly of their time, talent, and even treasure for this generation of teens. But, I was able to experience something very personal and profound, which I believe epitomizes every youth minister’s dream. Throughout this weekend conference, my eyes were constantly drawn to the stage, and not only because of the excellent presenters and entertainers. I could not stop staring in awe at the music ministers, because it is specifically through four of them that I have experienced every youth minister’s dream. Their names are Carrie, Heather, Dominic and Adam. All four of them, for a portion of their teenage years, attended a youth group that I worked with, and I have been blessed to continue to be in a relationship with each of them as they are moving through their young adult years. Carrie is engaged, Dominic is married, and Adam & Heather are married to each other. All four of them are strong in their faith, and are serving the Lord as leaders in the Church. And, that is the dream! All youth ministers pray, hope, labor, sacrifice and dream that someday all of their efforts for the Lord will make a difference, and that their youth group members will become leaders in our Church. Sometimes we see the fruits of our labor, as I see now with these four amazing young adults. Sometimes we never see the difference we have made, and wonder if our efforts are even worth it. But, the Lord wants all of us (especially us in youth ministry) to never forget that all of our efforts for His Kingdom do make a difference, and He really does appreciate us. I do know, of course, deep in my heart - that it is not all about me. I am just one person who influenced their lives, and only for a season. Countless other family members, friends, and ministers have formed and encouraged them in their faith along the way. And, I give all the glory to God for who these young people are. But, I can’t help but feel a little bit of pride as I ponder who these fantastic four have become. I know that the Lord is even prouder of them than I am, and I believe that He is even proud of me for my willingness to serve His teens. Youth ministers and chaperones – I encourage you to spend a few minutes letting the Lord tell you how much He loves and appreciates you – whether you are seeing the fruits of your labor or not. Teens – I encourage you to hug, call, talk to and/or email your youth ministers and chaperones – soon! Let them know how much you love them, let them know that they are making a difference in your life (be specific), and I beg of you teens – strive to become every youth minister’s dream.