praying for surprises

*Names have been changed for the protection of students

At the start of summer, Erin surprised me with a backyard wiffle ball birthday party. No, at 31, I am not too old to play wiffle ball, and yes, I absolutely love a surprise. There is something about the joy of not knowing something and then being shocked by its reality. Maybe for me, surprises are the subtle (and healthy) reminder for my heart that I am truly not in control in this life.

After spending a month at Clearwater Cove with four of our University of Michigan students and 25 other college students from around the country, I was once again surprised. This time, by the family that was formed amongst a group of people who were complete strangers at the start of the month. I was shocked by the fact that we were drawn together so closely, to the point where I still don't think I comprehend that we won't be serving alongside one another again when classes start next month.

In a summer seemingly full of surprises, I am praying that God will give us another. As we prepare for a high school trip to Clearwater Cove, I am thinking of my friend Cam from Pioneer, along with the rest of the students who will be on the trip from Pioneer and Dexter.

Lord, would you surprise me again?

I don't even know what I am praying for fully, other than the Lord making Himself known powerfully to the students who are on the trip, so much so that I am shocked by the reality of how they come home in seven days. I want to step out of the way knowing that I am not in control, and I want to trust that they will all hike back up the stairs of the bus to come home transformed by the love of Jesus in ways I cannot imagine. That would quite possibly be the best surprise of the summer.

— Jeff Prior, Pioneer High School Leader