We really hit the ground running at Centreville Baptist Church, as we launched “The ATTIC” on Wednesday, March 21st. We’ve had five Wednesday nights since being officially hired and God is moving and growing this ministry in great ways! I have felt such an expectancy among the youth and parents who are already involved–expecting great things–but also expecting excellence.

HOWEVER, I am a perfectionist, and when I am passionate about a project, I tend to throw all caution to the wind and move full-steam-ahead to get something off the ground. That’s been the case here. We’re a few days shy of 6 weeks and already we’ve had a couple of movie nights, a game night at the Ghost House, a concert, an all-night lock-in, a huge all-day fundraiser, and more! My typical work week is supposed to average 27 hours a week, but I’ve been hitting somewhere between 42 to 44. You might call that a “workaholic”. I call it passion. I am falling in love with these teenagers and I want to give it my all. But sometimes…I have to slow down.

So you’ll understand how torn I felt when Baby Ben kept Lindsey and I up all night last night with an ear ache and a fever. I held out until the last-minute this morning, as sleep-deprived as I am…but finally called Brother Ken and then sent out a message to let everyone know that we wouldn’t make it to church this morning. I left this afternoon’s worship/drama practice open and said I would update everyone later.

I got back several typical “praying for you!” texts and some “take care of BT!” texts. Sweet folks who love us already.

But the one I got from a big-hearted eighth grade boy is the one that got me: Hey bud! Hope BT gets to feeling better. We will miss y’all today. You don’t have to rush here for practice! Just help Baby Ben get better!

The grace of a teenager.

Expecting great things…but understanding the Father’s heart.

Already grasping the importance of family.

Realizing that there are times when church will play second fiddle.

I’m thankful that even though my own expectations of my self are unrealistically high at times, that I’m surrounded by folks who love my family and I.

They “get it”.

And they give us grace.

ATTIC,

Steve