It was the start of a large event and the youth group had a crisis. It was their first evening and too many leaders were late arriving. The clock was ticking. I was searching for reliable, willing adults to stand in for the evening.
I was directed to a local godly retired woman. She was available but could not see how she was suitable. She felt out of touch with their fashions, tastes, technology and interests. I finished by saying that I expected the young people to walk into the room feeling awkward, alone and wishing their parents hadn’t brought them. We needed kind adults who could make them feel welcome, ask them good questions and take an interest in their answers. “I can do that!” was her enthusiastic reply. We had a deal. She solved the crisis.
You can predict how that story finished. She saw me later: “You were right. They all walked in eyes down. No smiles. They just needed care and they came alive. I really enjoyed it!”
