I had a wonderful time being with about 150 freshmen and sophomores from this area near Kansas City.

We had an afternoon retreat on the opening day of the NFL (football) season, and a home opener for the Chiefs.

It is always interesting to me to watch teens as they are dropped off for such an event. The uncertainty when they are the only one dropped off…the “oh-no, adult-don’t-come-and-speak-to-me-arghgh!” look. Or the “I am sticking with my friends and we’ll wait outside or in the lobby until they make us come inside” thing.

What these teens don’t know is I am as nervous as they are(if not more so). How can I do anything that will make them dread this less than parents’ lecture #39 or a root canal? And what expectations do they have? I can’t compete with DVDs, video games‘; return true;” onmouseout=”window.status='’; return true;”>video games, concert musicians, IPODs, friends, sleeping or even the Chiefs.

Yet these teens were pretty open (with the exception of one young man, who–we found out later—hid in a loft in the church while the whole retreat was going on) to the games, mingling, silliness, singing and challenges of the day and the messages I had prepared.

My soul was nourished though by sitting with Heather, Will (a teen-now-turned-youth minister who came from Oklahoma City to see me and visit as he does his own ministry thing–www.willyputty.com)

Elizabeth (my YOUNG Panera bread and Notre Dame friend) and my contact person, Cynthia (dedicated and detailed extraordinaire) for sharing thoughts about ourselves and the ministry we do. It was a faith sharing that continues to stay with me and bless me.

It was a good day. The Chiefs won. The Saints won. God was in the neighborhood.