Where The Wild Things Are

So, a few weeks ago I mentioned that I had seen the movie Where The Wild Things Are and that students in Fuel could look forward to a series on it soon.  Well, that series started last night and boy what a start.  Junior High is kind of a crazy beast.  Sometimes things go your way and sometimes they don’t.  Last night our students were a bit hyper after our game (we gave out a lot of chocolate easter eggs) and that was reflected in our large group teaching (conversation).  At one point, early on in the conversation, one student decided to go onto the baptismal tank.  Others just randomly got up and started to play with things on the stage.  I tell you, junior high is a crazy place.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I love junior high but it can get frustrating sometimes.  This was one of those times and I did what every geezer does when they get frustrated with younger people.

I gave them a lecture.

Yep, that’s right, I ranted.  It wasn’t pretty but it needed to happen.  Our students lack discipline!  Ha ha.  My message from that point on was pretty on and off.  I don’t think I got across nearly what I wanted to communicate and of course, when students are acting up, it takes way longer to make a 20 minute conversation happen.  That of course, cramped small groups, which is too bad.  However, when I was finished, I got a standing-o.  Not sure why but I think it was their way of either mocking me or appreciating me.  For my ego’s sake, I’m hoping for the latter.

I love my small group and the guys that are there are great.  This week, one of them disagreed with something I said and we were able to talk about it a bit.  I was so happy.  For me, if a student disagrees with something I said it means they were listening and interacting.  That is a reward in itself.  We had a quick conversation, some quick prayer and then small group was over.  Just like that.

My luggage arrived yesterday during Fuel too and that was really cool.  I was hoping it would because I had planned on using it in the conversation.  Anyway, I’m off now for our Easter rehearsal.  I am looking forward to some great services this weekend and our design team has done a fantastic job of creating sets for Sunday.  Props to Jeff, Glenn and Julia.

Fuel Review:
Fun Factor – Average
Attendance – Above Average
Teaching – Below Average
Small Groups – Below Average