Quite often when I work with catechists and youth ministers, we have to remind ourselves of this, knowing full well that if we make a difference in the life of one child, then we have accomplished something good. When we are stressed and frustrated, it is good to remind ourselves of this. It seems that once we hear this, we can sit back and quickly realize that, yes, we have made a difference in the lives of, not just one, but many.

But, in today’s fast paced, busy society, making a difference has become a more difficult task. It seems that we have to work harder and harder to reach our young people -- helping them recognize God’s presence in their lives, helping them become more fully aware of God’s presence in all things, and maybe more importantly in the one activity they find the most pleasure in doing.

This past weekend I was truly blessed. My wife, Pam, and I were able to take a day and travel to Wichita to the Kansas Boat and Travel Show. Anyone who knows me knows that water skiing is a big part of my life. Whether it be skiing on the calmest day, sitting on the windiest day, or simply spending time working on my boat, this is my refuge. It is my haven. It is one place where I can relieve stress and find God’s beauty in all creation. When I am out on the water, I am fully aware of God’s presence in my life at that very moment.

Each of you have such a place. It’s a place where you can go, or something you enjoy doing, and in this process, find yourself closer to God. Simply because you can enter into this time and feel God’s presence in your life. Yes, God is present at all times, but as some would say, when we enter into what is our element, God’s presence seems closer and more real. For myself, the boat, the lake, and water skiing is my element. For others it could be the mountaintop and skiing down the slope, or for others, especially our youth, it could be playing football, basketball, or their favorite sport. Or for others, it could be drama, band or another activity. For every person, young and old, they have their element, a haven and way to be closer to God.

As adults committed to working more closely with our youth, we must embrace the challenge of helping each of our young people find their element. We need to help them discover God’s presence in their lives at all times, especially when they are in their element.

To close, I invite you to journey back with me to my water skiing. Last weekend I also was reading my "WaterSki" magazine. In it I read, "The lake where you ski is a special place, a favorite place, and perhaps a sacred place in your life. Somewhere in your skiing experience you found a part of yourself that had previously not found its expression. It was like a song unsung." The author of this article, David Benzel concluded with this phrase, "Sing like nobody’s listening. Dance like nobody’s watching. And ski like there’s no tomorrow.

Once I left the boat and travel show I traveled to Great Bend and helped conduct an overnight confirmation retreat with 43 young people.

Through the laughter, a few tears, lack of sleep, and sharing of our faith and life’s stories, I believe that we accomplished just this. I believe that we helped each of these young people recognize God’s presence in their lives in a deeper way. I believe too, that they found a part of themselves that previously had not found its expression. Yes, I believe, that we did make a difference in the life of a child."

For each of us so closely connected to our youth, let’s help them do the same. Let’s help them find a sacred place in their life -- help them find God and their best self in this place, and let them "sing like nobody’s listening, dance like nobody’s watching, and do whatever they like doing best like there is no tomorrow.