Late nights

This has been a rather exhausting weekend, but certainly a good one. I spent Friday night at Dave's house. For those of you who don't know, Dave was my small group leader at youth group during my Junior and Senior year, and has had a huge impact on my life. He's been my mentor, my friend, and my inspiration to be a leader at youth group. I owe him so much for all the time he spent with me. And now he's moving to Seattle.

It came as a bit of a shock when I found out, and it's hard to see him go. We've shared a lot of good and bad experiences, and it'll be strange to not have him around anymore. I'm going to miss him. I'm going to miss him a lot.

At the same time, this is a wonderful point in my life. I have become a leader at my youth group, and I feel like I really belong. The other leaders respect me as an adult, and the students respect me as a leader. I have a place where I can honestly do some good, and use the talents God has given me to bless other people. I may not be happy with everything in my life, but I always have the joy of Christ inside me, and that joy leads me back to him every time.

As Dave leaves, I have an opportunity. I can never be him, but I can step up and fill in the gap. I can finally be the man he's been encouraging me to be for several years. He never gave up on me. He honestly trusts and believes in me. He's always thought I could do it. Now, I finally believe him.

Thank you Dave. Thank you so much for everything you've done for me. You've been an amazing friend and mentor, and I'll really miss having you around. You've taught me so much, maybe more than you realize, and I won't forget it. You helped make me into a leader. I hope I can make you proud.