Kaitlan is my good friend, who in about two weeks will be returning from Africa after a few months of service to the local believers. I actually first knew her as my camper when I served as College Staff in the youth group – she was this pony-tailed 7th grader that I caught jumping on the bed at camp with Crystal and Morgan. I doubt they even remember that. But she matured in both wisdom and stature, and by the 12th grade, she was already wise beyond her years (she still is). We began meeting at Kerbey Lane Cafe, about twice a month, and went through the book of John. I don’t remember much about that time, other than the fact that Kaitlan was a total SPONGE and absorbed so much of what I said – so much that it was intimidating and humbling. And her teachable spirit taught me how to be a student of those people a few paces ahead in the journey. I always felt like I left with more than I gave.

She went to college in Ohio of all places, and there were several summers when she didn’t return to Austin at all – so there were seasons when I seldom met with her. But anytime she was in Austin (she’s quite the rambler), she’d call me up and we’d do breakfast or coffee. And I always left with more than I gave. This past year after her graduation, she mostly lived in Austin, so we enjoyed meeting regularly again. It was one of the highlights of my week.

We started meeting six years ago through my initiation – I asked her to pray about whether she wanted to meet on a semi-regular basis and share life. It felt weird, I remember, and I didn’t want to come across as “Oh ye little one – what an honor for you to sit at my feet and learn as my pupil.” I just wanted to invest in someone, and the Lord brought her to my mind over and over again. And I wanted to give her the gift of invitation. I always wished someone a few years older asked if they could invest in me, so instead of self-pity, I opted on service.

I am SO glad to know Kaitlan. I really do consider her my true friend, and it is an honor when she asks me to pray for something, to seek the Lord about something in her life, to want wisdom from me. She has the most teachable spirit I know, her passion for the world and the Lord is contagious, and her desire to serve Him wherever He sends is most encouraging. Plus, she’s a ton of fun, thinks I’m funny (what’s better than that?), and is pretty darn funny herself. I often tell her that I feel we’re cut from the same fabric, because we are SO much alike (well, except for the teachable spirit. I’m working on that.). She reacts the same way I would in her life’s circumstances. And I feel like she gets me, too.

My point: Please pray about investing in someone’s life, someone a few years younger than you and who wants to be invested in. The Holy Spirit will guide you, and you’d truly be missing out if you decided it’s too much time. You’re building up the Body, you’re dying to yourself and focusing on someone else, and you’re giving Him honor by blessing what He’s already taught you onto another person. It’s the way the Church should work. And if you hit the jackpot like me, you’ll make a lifelong friend who’s a blast to be with.

posted: 06 May 11
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