This weekend one of my "Y kids" as I affectionately like to call them, posted the above post about our friendship on Facebook. Chad was an important part of my life and career. When I first took the job at the YMCA I had no experience what so ever working with Middle School and High School youth. I had been working with Elementary age kids and specifically with the Kindergarteners. Chad and many of my "Y kids", that I am friends with on Facebook these days, played huge roles in my early days working with youth. I realized very quickly after having them in my life that it was my calling to work with Middle School and High School Youth. I can't imagine doing anything else.
These "Y kids" are no longer kids, they are in their mid to late 20s and have college degrees, families of their own, and paying jobs. When Chad posted this picture and his comments, the comments that came in from some of the other "Y kids" was amazing. I haven't seen many of them in years but they told me all about the impact that I have had on their lives.
It was very humbling because honestly it is sometimes hard to believe that I have an impact on these kids and that they remember me and thank me for the impact I had on their lives. In the moment, I was just loving them and having a great time with them. I was given the opportunity to watch them grow and try to give them some guidance along the way.
When I hear from them and they tell me the impact I have had on them, it reminds me of why I do what I do. It's not about me, it has never been about me. It is about them and their lives and who they become. If I play even the smallest role in helping them to realize their full potential then I have made an impact.
I know that working with Youth is the job that God intended me to have. I may not of figured that out until after college but I got the message loud and clear now.
Thanks Chad for the reminder of who I am and what I stand for. Thanks "Y kids" for being the original Eric's kids! You have a lot of brothers and sisters now because I have so many more kids but you will always be the originals. If I was a super hero, you would all be a part of my origin story.
I hope that I am able to continue to have the impact on other kids that I had on you, but most of all I hope that other kids continue to have the impact on me that you all had on me!
Keep reaching for the stars and if you ever need a little help, don't worry, I will be there to lift you up!
God is good... All the time... All the time.... GOD IS GOOD!!!!
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