Time well spent

Time is arguably the most important thing in a child's life. Of all the the youth programs that I have been involved in, I tell people the most rewarding aspect of any program is the long term relationships that I have built. This is only possible with the time that you are willing to give. Very similar to Warren Buffett's strategy of sustaining money by compound interest, the valuable element of any compounding interest formula is TIME. Time spent with youth has been the most impactful element of any good up bringing. Unfortunately in modern era, time is limited with our busy schedules and will be the biggest sacrifice that a youth worker has to make. Things like vacation, leisure time, and perhaps your finances will not be yours any longer. There will be things that will be more appealing, more adventorous, more fun than mentoring a kid. In order to overcome this, priories must be set. Luxorious priorities are replaced by camping trips, ball games, going to the beach, road trips, or simply hanging out. Fortunately for you, when you replace your priorities you don't walk away without anything. Your tight fisted priorities are replaced with unforgettable memories. When a children is asked to recall their favorite pastime... they will say when my parents took me to the park, or my coach stayed late to teach me how to bunt, or when my youth pastor bought us donuts every Sunday morning. For you and your child time is memories gained or memories lost... use it wisely.