I never thought I would be a grown up. I knew it was coming eventually but I talked about it as if it was years away. And, to be honest, I don't remember the day that it happened. But, every day I realize a little more that I am now a grown up.  Many things in this year, have caused me to make a sudden leap in to adulthood: I graduated from college with a Bachelor's degree in English; I joined the Junior High Team at my home church as a full-time youth worker; my parents separated and began the process of divorce; I celebrated my first one-year anniversary with a boyfriend each of these experiences pushed me further and further away from being a kid. And somehow I am not any more prepared to be an adult.

The Bible tells us not to let others look down on us because we are young, but it's not really the others I'm worried about. My life is full of people who support me and cheer me on. I'm more worried about looking down on myself because I am young.

As a full-time youth worker, I find myself in the midst of situations that I feel really unprepared for. Talking to parents, offering them advice on their Junior High daughter. Teaching a lesson to a service full of squirrelly students. Training volunteers, most of which are twice my age. Trying to keep tabs on the budget of the Junior High ministry when I can barely balance my own checkbook. I find myself thinking, I'm only 23! I can't do this! quite a bit in situations like these. 

It's hard being a 23-year old in a world of adults. I know I am supposed to be a grown-up, but I don't feel like one. I don't want to get my car washed or clean out the refrigerator, I'd rather lay in bed all day and watch re-runs of FRIENDS. I want to be irresponsible sometimes. Just once, I'd like to spend my day off not checking my work email or making a 'to do' list from home. I know it doesn't seem like a lot to ask, but it is a difficult thing to do.

To some, this may sound like an illness, but to me it's a blessing.  I feel so blessed to have a job that I love to think about. Every time I go to Target to buy a cart-full of candy I am reminded about what a great job I have. There are not many jobs that require a trip to a costume store or a party supply place each week. I know that I am in a different life stage than most of my friends, but I also know that I am exactly where God wants me to be. It may not always be the easiest of jobs, and it definitely is not always stress-free, but it is never boring.

There are so few people who can say they love their job. I am one of those few. I hope you are too. I do not have any pearls of wisdom to impart to you, the reader. I am really hoping that this short writing serves two purposes. First, I hope it brings some comfort to those of you in a similar life stage. You're not alone just as I am realizing I am not either. Second, I hope it brings some insight to anyone who has been out of this life stage for a few years. I hope this article reminded you what it was like to be starting out, young and in ministry. It can be intimidating at times. Take every chance you get to encourage us through the insecurities and doubts. We are already thinking, Can I really do this?! Show us that you believe we can.

http://www.simplyyouthministry.com/community-articles-from-the-field.html