Recently, Nathan got sick over a weekend. The bug came on quick Thursday afternoon and didn't leave until Monday. I found myself offering to lead both JH and HS youth groups, so he could stay home to rest and heal. Both times, I found out he was going to take me up on my offer about an hour before youth group was to begin--he always holds out hope that he can make it!
For the Junior High lesson, I took Nathan's outline that he had prepared and did my best to teach from it. It went ok. But, I realized it wasn't a topic that I had any current passion for--I delivered the lesson, filled up the proper amount of time, shared relevant life stories and even used the proper object lesson involving vinegar. I was using my mouth, but his voice to teach from God's word.
When Sunday night came around and I realized Nathan wasn't feeling any better, I volunteered again to share with the students. This time I knew that I needed to share from my heart and not just from his lesson plan. I was able to use the verses that he had chosen for the night, but I put my own twist on it--from what God had been speaking to me over the past few months. I would sum it up as, "The darker the world, the brighter we shine." I loved every moment of it (well, after the first few minutes of being very nervous) and I'm thankful I had the opportunity to use his theme, yet have my own voice.
Photo: me and my healthy hubby on last week's HS Mission Trip
