What Do You Mean You Don't Play Guitar?

In retrospect, probably the only question that wasn't asked during my interview for the Youth Ministry position was the one that may have been a deal-breaker.  No one asked me the seemingly most obvious question about the skills and talents I may possess that make me a perfect candidate for this call:

Do you play the guitar?

Sadly, I do not.  I have a guitar; I have memories of the blisters I incurred trying to play the guitar, but no.  I do not play the guitar.

A Youth Ministry Leader who doesn't play the guitar?  How on earth was I hired?

The short version:  
Awesome church + even more awesome youth = no brainer.

I've never liked math, though, particularly for its cold, unfeeling brevity.  So--

The long version:
I am positively thrilled at being able to answer the call to youth ministry at St. Mark, and consider it one of many rich blessings God has provided.  As a former middle school English teacher, I have always loved working with middle schoolers, and in the late summer of 2012, I jumped at the chance to teach the Confirmation-aged Sunday School class.  As I began working with this amazing group of 6th and 7th graders, and as they greeted me each week with great energy, enthusiasm, and a hunger for answers to their deep, faith-forming questions, I found myself wanting to do more for them and with them.  That desire, coupled with prayer and guidance (along with some big changes resulting in a lot more "calm" on the homefront - is calm even possible in a house full of three children under the age of 9?) led me to answer the call to engage deeply in youth ministry.  I am so glad I am here.

Oh, and for the record?  "Learn to play the guitar" has been added to my list of long-term professional development goals, starting from the top with KumBaYa.

Anne attempts to master the guitar, in one sitting, under the direction of her older brother.