Fact  #1. I started my job exactly 18 months ago today.

Fact  #2. Statistics show that youth ministers who are full time should only last 18 months in their job before they get burned out or need to quit and move onto something new.

Fact #3. I’m not burned out.

February and March are really odd months in youth ministry here at SCL. Our busiest season from September until the end of January comes to a close, and it’s too far away from the crazy summer events so things are rather ‘slow’ around here you could say. Ultimately it gives me a chance to look back on the past few wonderful and yes, sometimes crazy months here at sclym. Days aren’t always easy; I’m sure everyone can relate to that phrase; whether it’s in their work, school, or other things on their plate. As I mentioned before, statistics show that I should be finished here with my run at SCL. I should be looking for other opportunities, I should be ready to move onto another parish. Don’t worry, God has a long to-do list for me, and that includes loving a lot more of you to come!

We’ve all been burned out in some way, shape, or form in our lives. Whether you’re exhausted or overwhelmed with school, families commitments, the sport that you’re playing every day, and sometimes twice a day, or even your faith life has kind of sizzled, we’ve all been there.  Where are YOU right now?

Yesterday I was at spiritual direction and we got to talking about the ‘death’ that is outside and the ‘death’ of our spiritual lives, and the ‘death’ of Lent. I was discussing how I’m sick and tired of the bleak and ugly weather. I’m exhausted of the cold and wishing that I could put on flip flops, and I’m tired of everyone being so down in the dumps, lacking the life that spring and summer brings. I’m ready for Life, not Death.

But that’s what Lent is all about. Two weeks ago we put ashes on our foreheads as a reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Peggy and Braulio reminded us of that at our prayer night last Thursday. Maybe right now you’re not feeling so motivated, in your faith life, personal life, family life, school life. Wherever you are feeling like ‘death’ has creeped in, I want you to remember to have faith. New Life is coming, HE is coming, just give it 37 more days or so.

So why did I bring up about being burned out? Because sometimes we just are, we’re just burnt from people and experiences and obligations. That burn out of something inside of us tells us how much we need NEW LIFE! If you’re currently struggling with something, stop and remember today that through this challenge, pain, suffering, death of some sort, God will rejuvenate you, God will revitalize you, God will give you NEW LIFE. It’s coming…. Do you feel it? It started with the sun today….  Oh and the sun, that’s a another whole kind of burn out :)

Thank you for an incredible 18 months thus far! Love you all!