So yesterday, I reengaged with another of my one of my favorite activities.

I started mentoring this year’s group of 4th and 5th graders in the Porter-Billus Leadership Academy in the activity of robotics. Even though I have done this work for twenty years, the first day of a new year always brings with it a level of doubt which then leads to anxiety. What can a 72-year-old have to gift to 10-year-olds? Will I lose any chance of relationship with them when I say their name incorrectly? Will they be interested in what I have for them to do? Do I have enough material to keep them busy for the days that I have them? What is the lesson plan?

Take a breath. Listen to the Spirit. Sit quietly. Be my truth. Be the truth. His love is everywhere. It holds us together. Live into the knowledge that the ubiquitous nature of His love allows me to meet my doubts, acknowledge them, and then move forward.

Yes, God is in the classroom. As one of His disciples, I am offering His way of living to those in the room. We are doing robotics. We are learning the benefits of living leadership. This is defined by the students as helping each other, offering a new idea, listening, following, working together. Does this definition fit into a Chistian ethos? How does this definition compare to your big-people definition? Which truth do you want to live?

As believers in the faith in the mystery that Jesus brought into our presence, we are all disciples. The challenge that we are given every time we worship is to go out into the world and do you. And as you meet the world of today with all its human messiness, share that living with, in, and around the Holy Spirit is how you find your way to joy.

Humble,

Peter