 Throughout college, many of my friends attended ACTS retreats and Steubenville conferences; unfortunately, I did not attended either. I heard stories about charismatic outbursts and "Jesus moment" that when I figured out ICY was registered, I was beyond excited.
Here's the twist: I was the group leader, the chaperone, the responsible one, the adult. Great. Who knew so many details went into a weekend!? From transportation, food, sleep arrangements, payments, communication, schedules, more payments, and all the stress. I thought when we arrived at the conference that everything would be smooth sailing. Boy, I was wrong. My work just began. With 4,500 people there, I constantly counted and recounted to keep my ducks in a row and checked and rechecked the schedule and times all the while not getting swept into a sea of young people due to my shortness. Thankfully, my chaperones kept my safely grounded and not lose my head! If I had to describe the weekend in one word, it would be "refocus." I had some teens thank me for giving up my birthday weekend, but I felt like I gained so much more than if I hadn't gone! The speakers were flat out amazing. The band was rocking the house. God was there! Personally, the best part was recommitting my love and devotion for Christ and promising Him that I will allow His will be done during Adoration. I tried and prayed for a "moment" to happen to the teens, but that's not my job. God did what He set out to do, I just had to make sure we were all together and on time. A deacon I met during our youth minister meeting told me something unforgettable, "[You can do almost everything, but you can't get anyone into heaven. Jesus is the only one who can. You're just the instrument.]" So here I am, the instrument eagerly waiting for His will to be done.
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