Hand-holding and finger-pointing

I couldn’t help but reflect back over my years of teaching, remembering the many freshmen who spent most of the first day lost, or the senior who at the end of each day, would scream down the halls, letting everyone know the number of days left ’till graduation.

But through the fears of a new school year and the excitement and wonder of an approaching graduation, our young people remain the same: a true joy to be around, but still facing many of the same challenges they faced last year. We continue to pray for each of them, that God will continue to guide and bless each of them on their journey.

With this, I want to extend an invitation to you as our young people begin this new school year experiencing the joyful times, but also the struggles and difficulties.

My invitation is for you to consider in a very informal way, adopting a young person from your parish. You may simply choose one or two young people and let them know that you are offering extra prayers for them, and from time to time, going out of your way to attend one of their many activities. Little things, like greeting them before Mass, can go a long way. Be a person who is willing to walk the journey with our youth. Small things such as this could very well be a life changing transformation for each of you.

In my last article, I spoke of "Hand-Holding and Finger-Pointing." The meaning of this is quite simple, but also very powerful. If we take the time to mentor a young person, set a positive example offering prayers, etc., then these two things will become natural. There will be times that we will need to reach out and hold their hand, giving them the support, security and comfort that every person needs. We have all experienced the warmth and security that comes from holding someone’s hand.

We can then help bring a warmth and security to our youth as they experience the challenges of another year. If a young person is struggling, but knows that someone is praying for them and supporting them, they will, in a very indirect way, feel the warmth and security, just as if someone were holding their hand.

But too, there will be times that we need to let go of this hand and simply do a little finger pointing; helping to point these kids in the right direction; taking the time and having the courage to at times push away, giving our young people the freedom to learn and discover on their own, but all the while guiding them through prayer, word and example.

What about it? Are you ready to accept this challenge and adopt a young person to walk with on their journey? Will you answer the call to do some "Hand-Holding and Finger-Pointing?"