Posted by Scott Rubin
I wasn’t intending to write a blog post right now. But just had an interaction that made me want to jot some things down…
(If you can see a parallel between middle schoolers and senior citizens, this post might make sense.)
I got in early this morning, needing to crank through some things before anyone else gets to the office. I flipped on my computer, and went to empty my overflowing trash can before attacking my day. Walking back to my office, I ran into a 70-year-old volunteer from our church who helps do cleaning stuff around here, early in the mornings. (In my opinion, jr. highers and senior citizens can both be a bit “invisible” to people if they’re not careful!)
When I said “how are you doing” to this guy (not realizing he was really going to tell me!), he proceeded to fill me in about the stroke he had last year, and how he’s recovering from it. I was aware that I really wanted to get to my office & dig into the stuff I need to get done today… but I tried to dial in with him… it only took 5 minutes. Honestly though, I was probably half-listening, and half thinking of my “to-do” list for the day. He told me about how his left side was paralyzed last May, but now he’s doing better.
As I wished him a good day & started to leave, he said 5 words that made me pause:
“Thanks for listening to me.”
I’m not even sure I did a very good job of listening… but he was thankful.
How’s that similar to a Jr. Higher?I think they are also looking for someone who’s willing to try to LISTEN to them. KNOW them a little bit. CARE about what they’re feeling.
How’s that different from a Jr. Higher?Most of them won’t remember to say “Thanks for listening to me”. But I believe theyfeelthankful…
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Kurt Johnston leads the student ministries team at Saddleback Church in Southern California. His ministry of choice, however, is junior high, where he spends approximately 83.4% of his time. Kurt is also the founder of www.simplyjuniorhigh.com, and he writes, speaks and looks for opportunities to encourage other youth workers. He likes to surf, ride dirtbikes and hang out in coffee shops. He is married to Rachel, and they have two teenage children, Kayla and Cole
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Scott Rubin is the Director of Elevate, the junior high ministry of Willow Creek Community Church near Chicago. He's mostly a middle school pastor, but he also writes some, speaks some, and blogs some. He's the co-author of the book Middle School Ministry, and a few other titles too. He likes sports, summer, his wife Lynette, his 3 sons, and often wishes that Lake Michigan was actually an ocean.
good thoughts Scott – if I could add I think there is another group that needs to be listen to a lot more – the parents of our kids.
So true. Some teenagers have things they feel they can’t talk about with a person who is a part of their everyday lives, and they definitely appreciate a listening ear.