Megan's prayer: Cheer Up Charlie's "Xanaphobe"

Listen to me all you kids.
A small, and perhaps insignificant line in the song. A line that I probably wouldn't have even noticed if I hadn't been reading the lyrics as I listened to the song. But regardless of how little it's importance is to the song, it really stuck with me.

It's a constant struggle to figure out how to get kids to listen to me. My whole job is based around how well I am able to get kids to listen to me. The success of the retreat this weekend is partly based around how well the CORE team is able to get the kids to listen to us as we talk.

And while it is important for kids (or teens) to listen to what I have to say, I need to remember that what they have to say is equally important. The stories they want to share help reveal more about that "kid" as a real person. The questions they ask help me dig a bit into their life and discover something about them. Especially on retreat, listening to a teen share during a small group is extremely important.

I hope that this weekend is filled with mutual respect and listening from both the CORE and the teens.