Trying something new can sometimes be a bit intimidating, but it can also be an opportunity to have your horizons expanded. Reach out to one person who often seems to be on the margins.Every year, my high school youth ministry group coordinates a one day retreat for each class. This year, I was asked to take on a larger part in the coordination. The first retreat I helped to coordinate was the Sophomore Retreat, “Love No Matter What.”
The goal of the retreat was to bring everyone in the class together and focus on loving and supporting one another. The hope was that the retreat participants would focus on loving each other no matter the circumstance.
In my youth ministry program, I had learned to show my dedication and commitment to God and serve my brothers and sisters as he did. This retreat was a great opportunity for me and all the participants to get to know and understand some people we didn’t associate with on a regular basis. Throughout the day, we were given the opportunity to comfort certain students. The students trustingly opened themselves up to us; it was a great blessing.
During this retreat I learned not to judge people until I know their story and even then, not to judge them at all. I learned to love and embrace others with kindness. Doing this made my life richer spiritually and I am very blessed to have had this opportunity.
—Paige
Trying something new can sometimes be a bit intimidating, but it can also be an opportunity to have your horizons expanded. Reach out to one person who often seems to be on the margins.
Recall a time when you were judged prematurely. How did it feel to have someone think they knew you without really getting to know you? Ask God to forgive those who judged you. Ask him for the grace to not judge others, but to find him in them.