This morning I spoke to a group of high school students from the youth ministry of Christ Community Church in Leawood, KS. It was a blast! I was reminded how much I love teaching — especially students.

I spoke on Romans 2:1-13. Heavy, but fun stuff. I had a chance to dialog with a number of the students after I was through … I was also invited to pray with a couple of students. It was great to be a small part of their growth.

As I sit here in the KC airport (FREE WiFi — Nice!) and reflect on the morning a couple of thoughts come to my mind.

First, students are wicked smart. I couldn’t believe some of the insights that a couple of the students shared with me after I was done. One student was able to help me see some of Paul’s similar teachings in other parts of the NT that she has been praying on for weeks.

Second, I miss teaching students on a regular basis! Most of the students were very engaged today. They were intently listening and participating along with me. I was encouraged by some of the silent yet very noticeable connections I had with the students while speaking. You know what I mean? The eye to eye contact, the occasional head nod of interest or approval and the slight smile symbolic to resonating with the truth from the word. (Maybe they were just laughing at me — I guess that could be possible too…)

Lastly, I was rejuvenated by the students interacting with the worship, morning prayers, story-telling and the letter writing to the troops in Iraq. I confess that sometimes I forget how capable students are and how effective they can be at inspiring one another to tell, do, be and celebrate God’s story and mission.

‘Bout to board the plane back home to Chi-town. Peace.