Help a young person …

A comfortable hammock on a breeze-cooled warm day …

Listening to the waves rolling in on a white-sand beach …

Talking for hours with your very best friend about everything and nothing …

An insane sale at Nordstrom’s …

Those are a few simple things many people “love.”

Like everyone else, I have things I really enjoy. Actually, I’m one of those guys with broad interests … probably too broad because I couldn’t possibly pursue them all.

But there is something that I enjoy more than anything else.

I really, passionately love serving others in the name of Jesus Christ. Now THAT is something I really love.

On a very personal note, other people matter to me. Profoundly so. But I will say over the last few years that has even increased, to the point I sometimes think I feel the hurts of others too sharply!

But there is one thing that really stands out to me. It hurts my heart! And that is to see young people struggling in life and no one really caring.

I read recently about two teenagers found at a murder scene. Why?! Just teenagers!

Over the years, as I’ve had the opportunity to counsel thousands of people, lead several workshops on parenting, and work directly with young people, I’ve seen children, teens, and young adults struggle with all kinds of issues in life, and see the adults in their lives just let them struggle on their own.

I find that heart-wrenching!

Maybe it’s because of my own very harsh childhood, and personally experiencing the great value of having someone … at least one person … who cares and comes alongside to help.

Every young person needs the chance to become that whole person God would have them to be. And we adults need to help them have those opportunities, and boost them forward so they can become all God would have them be, experience all God has for them, and contribute in the way God would use them.

Every young person needs to be loved and supported!

To those ends, when I worked in youth ministry, I used to challenge adults to personally get to know at least one young person. Not just become acquainted with someone, but get to know a young person on a personal level, and be at least one of the adults in their lives who encourage and support them and cheer them on.

If every adult did that, then children, youth, and young adults would have a brighter future.

Let me encourage you to extend your heart to a young person this week. Find a child, a teenager, or a young adult for whom you could make a difference by being in their lives and give yourself away the very best way you can.

Make a difference!

Scotty