Today I talked with a boy becoming a man. I didn’t know him before today. He had heard me speak and sent me a text message. His text message read, ‘Can we catch up? I want to talk about my future.’ And today was the day. As I sat across from him I asked, ‘How old are you?’ He tells me, ‘I’m 17 and next year is my last year in school’. The conversation was a little stilted. Where to from here? I ask, ‘What are your plans or ideas?’
He starts to talk. He’s not sure. He loves music. Plays an instrument really well. Sees that in his future but he also sees himself helping people. Giving joy and inspiration to people. Maybe traveling to the developing world. Sharing his gift. The words came and I listened. It was as if our conversation just gave him the opportunity to commit himself. To say out loud what he held in his heart.
A lifeline of accountability that he could hold onto when the waves of self-promotion or self-interest started to blow. I felt teary and privileged to be part of this conversation. The conversation with a boy becoming a man of dreams and compassion.
Teenagers are the best kind of people. I just love them. What a blessing to be able to sit and hear his heart.