But I'm Just a Teenager!

I’ve done a lot of waiting in my life. Waiting for that next phase, you know? When I’m in junior high, THEN I’ll be cool. When I’m in high school and have a car, THEN I’ll be happy. When I get a boyfriend life will be perfect. When I get that latest purse I will feel totally cute. When I’m Homecoming Queen then life will be complete.(Sadly, that one never happened. A moment of silence, if you will…) Then finally you wake up one day and realize you’ve accomplished nothing… but a whole bunch of waiting.

So what are you waiting for? Think you’re too young to make a difference? Not old enough to accomplish your dream?

In fifth grade, Nancy Yi Fan began writing a story about birds struggling for freedom. This story turned into the book Swordbird, which will hit stores this February. Nancy will be thirteen when the book debuts. Unbelievable!

And what about the author of Eragon and Eldest? Christopher Paolini wrote Eragon when he was fifteen! Do you know what I was doing at fifteen? Probably watching Saved by the Bell reruns or something.

Katie Hoff is only sixteen. She is on the U.S. swim team and took home three gold medals last year at the World Championships. Not only that, but she set a new U.S. Open record for the 400-meter. And to top it all off, she has a ten year endorsement deal with Speedo.

Shannon Sullivan, 14, of Wood-Ridge, New Jersey, helped start a chapter of Teen Angels, a teen-led group trained by the FBI to help shut down internet predators. She helps the FBI at fourteen!! That would make some great cafeteria conversation. "Are you gonna eat your tator tots? Did I mention I work for the FBI?"

Jourdan Urbach, a fourteen year old from New York, is a master at the violin. He has been using his musical talents to fund the organization he created, Children Helping Children. He has raised over $200,000 for his charity, which helps raise money for medical research and brings music to sick children.

Though only eighteen, May Lan Dong has already contributed much to our world. After taking a trip to the African nation of Guinea with her dad, she has been soliciting funds for the organization she founded to help the people of Guinea. Her efforts have paid for books, supplies, AND a girls’ dorm at an impoverished West African school. How awesome is that?

And then there’s this teen named Mary. You might know her. She was the mother of Jesus. There’s an old Amy Grant Christmas song about her that says:

I am waiting
in a silent prayer.
I am frightened
by the load I bear.
In a world as cold as stone,
Must I walk this path alone?
Be with me now.
Be with me now.

Breath of Heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of Heaven

I hate to admit this, but it wasn’t until I heard that song that I really thought about the fact that Mary was just a teenager when she had Jesus. Back in the day, girls were married VERY early. They were practically children. Can you imagine her circumstances? She was unwed. She was pregnant. And she was about to give birth to our Savior. No pressure.

But surrounded by animals, Joseph, some wise men she didn’t even know, and a bunch of straw, Mary cradled her newborn son in her arms. Had she felt prepared? No. Had she felt scared and overwhelmed? Absolutely.

God chose Mary, though she was incredibly young, for this special task. He knew what he was doing. He could've picked someone older, wiser, prettier, wealthier, worldlier. But he picked Mary. Not only that, but he created her for this miraculous task.

Is God asking you to step out on faith and achieve something? Could he be asking you to step out of your comfort zone? What is that big goal pressing on your heart?

And most importantly…what are you waiting for?

Merry Christmas, G3'ers!
Jen