Secret Wonder
Sometimes youth ministry stumbles into mystery. Those special moments, often not planned, take your awareness into unexpected places. It might be a surprise connection of a teenager’s life to a story in the Bible. Sometimes it forms out of a bond between two of the most unlikely friends. It doesn’t take long serving in ministry to see these special moments.
I was reminded of this reading a story about a secret artist.
“It started suddenly. Without warning.
Last spring, Julie Johnstone, a librarian at the Scottish Poetry Library in Edinburgh, was wandering through a reading room when she saw, sitting alone on a random table, a little tree.
It was made of twisted paper and was mounted on a book.”
The picture above is the mysterious, anonymous artwork left in the library. It was a complete surprise to the librarian and it created wonder. It would be hard to decide which was more inspiring, the art or its humble presentation.
In youth ministry, allowing a place of wonder is always good. But truly great experiences spring from the unexpected wonders that aren’t just allowed, but are encouraged. They are given freely, often anonymously, and they can be initiated by anyone willing to take the time to inspire others. As you plan for your next memory maker (retreat or event) remember to include wonder in your planning.
