Setting Lightning Free...

Graduation is just around the corner for many students. Our youth group is no different, we have six graduating at the end of this month. I count it an honor that these guys have allowed me to pour into their lives since I have been the youth pastor the past year and a half. Each of them have grown spiritually, matured mentally, and are getting ready to step out of childhood and into adulthood.

We had a pet turtle at one time, but he outgrew his tank we had at the house. We talked about getting a larger tank, but they were so expensive and we knew we couldn't afford it. Our biggest concern was trying to explain this to our 4 year old son who had named him "Lightning." (A fitting name for a turtle, right?) Then I remembered the pond on the back of our farm. So my wife and I decided to explain to our son that we were setting Lightning free to live in the pond where he will be happy. Our son was actually happy to do so. The next Saturday, we loaded up Lighting on the 4-wheeler, drove down to the pond, and placed Lightning at the edge of the pond. He sat there only a second, then proceeded to bury himself in the mud at the edge of the water. My son looked at where Lightning had gone and asked, "Where did Lightning go?" I told my son, "Well buddy, this pond is pretty big compared to Lightning's tank. He's probably a little scared so he is hiding." My son, still looking at the muddy spot in the water where Lightning buried himself said, "It'll be ok Lightning."

Remember our Graduates who are about to step out into the "pond." It's a lot bigger than the "tank" they have been living in. Pray that they don't bury themselves in the mud at the edge, but that they swim freely and boldly, not forgetting the foundation that has been laid in their lives.

"You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."

-Matthew 5:14-16

In Christ,
jon walton