Chips and Guatemala

I just got back from a week in Guatemala with 30 teenagers. We set off on a journey to see what God wanted to do in these students. It wasnt 30 minutes into the trip when I realized that God had a funny joke to play on me. He was going to prove Himself to me in a brand new way and He was going to use the teenagers that I oversee to do it! I have struggled with Father issues a bit. Its not that my dad was a bad father. In fact, he was really good at it. He provided and protected us. He set up an environment that was safe and pure. He encouraged us to know God and always took us to church. My issue is that he and I have a really tough time speaking the same language. I am soft and long for depth and connection. He is more rough and loud. I have felt in the past that I am not prepared to be a dad, because he and I have never discussed anything about how to do that successfully. We just dont talk about important things. A few months ago, I really began to worry about my ability to Father my kids and my enormous youth group. There are thousands passing through my services and I began to grow insecure! I have been struggling.
On the first night of this trip, I challenged the students to tell God what they wanted from Him this week and to tell Him what they needed from Him in order to advance spiritually. Mine were simple. I wanted to know that He was proud of me as a father, and I wanted Him to confirm that I am actually doing a good job of fathering this generation.
The week was packed with adventure and miracles. On the 5th night, we had "family time" and the students were encouraging one another. One of them called my name and began to tell me how he wanted to be just like me. He said Im the greatest father he has ever seen. I was taken aback. Then about 6 others proceeded to tell me the ways that I father them and the ways that they admire how I father my children. I sat there in tears as I thanked God for hearing and responding to my desire. He was extremely great on this trip to me and every member of our team. God is faithful and ready and willing to let you know how much he loves you. All you have to do is ask!