I once heard someone say to me, “I know why you like working with young teenagers so much; they COME DOWN to your level so well.” That’s kind of a left handed compliment, but one I will take.

I had a great time at the Teresian Provincial House in working with (all boys one day and all girls the next day) over 90 7th graders from St. Peter’s School in Covington. There was a great amount of good energy in these young teens.

Our theme for the day was Jesus as Our Friend and Companion in Life. I loved hearing their answers on their important qualities of friendship and the things which, at their young age, make friendship hard.

It is always a blessing for me to re-tell my stories of friendship: remembering Ronald B. from the 4th grade and being told we shouldn’t be friends because we were different colors. Or to remember the story of Kevin E., a good man and a good friend I’ve been blessed to keep over 25 years (since college!). I also talk about the friendship I’ve received from my wife Marlene over the years.

And of course, I do make applications and connections to my faithful friend, Jesus…who I really give the “short end of the stick” to in terms of time and effort and just hanging out.

The teens were great at cooperating and participating (they really got into Scriptionary!) and in thinking about their own friendships and their relationship with Jesus.

Special thanks to religion teacher JoAnn W. for giving me this chance to share faith and to remember what friendships are made of and which ones need some tending from me.