I understand that teens are in a transition stage of life. I understand that the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of their lives don't always match-up. But I still get discouraged when a student seems to be regressing. And I hope I always will feel bad about that, but I hope I balance that with the recognition that some of this is natural.

Sometimes process doesn't seem like process. In my life, many of the times I've grown the most were when I faced hardship or learned from my own mistakes. I really need to see the tough or even stupid things in the lives of teens (and adults too) as opportunities for growth. They need someone to walk them through it, and I need to make sure my dissapointment doesn't hinder me from walking with them.

I would also be remiss if I did not tell you a funny story. Kim was with us & during a very good sermon in which the speaker really got fired-up, she heard him praying, "God, give us big tree in front of us. Big tree behind us. Big tree to the left & right." Turns out, he was saying "Victory" not "Big tree." Love ya, Kim. I'll let you tell people the dumb stories on me.