the gift it is

*Names have been changed for the protection of students

Today I look down at my wrist and see the letters WWJD. As a 90s kid, it may be a little surprising, but I never (and still have never) purchased a WWJD bracelet. I remember my dad and his Bible study friends rocking the simple black bracelets, but by the time I started following Jesus, the trend was long past.

Two weeks ago, I pulled up to pick my high school friend Sam up for Christmas Club. Sam was already outside-- despite the sub-freezing temp-- ready to get in the car. He bounced down the sidewalk and flung the car door open, beaming with pride.

"What's up man?" naturally rolled off my tongue as I typically greet guys.

"I got you something!" he responded excitedly. That one is not in my play book of standard interactions with high school guys. I didn't know what to say. Before I knew it, he was reaching into his pocket and with a huge grin on his face, presented a WWJD bracelet.

"I got it on Tik Tok shop. Let me help you put it on!"

Sam doesn't have a lot. And yet, he spent some of the money he earned from shoveling sidewalks on a bracelet for me and another small chunk as a deposit for our summer trip next July. This fall Sam has reminded me of the honor it is to be part of the lives of young people.

As Young Life leaders, we never deserve to have the respect and trust of the young people we pursue. But through presence, love, and consistency, we can hope to be people they sense Jesus in. From Sam to many more at Pioneer High School, getting to walk alongside young men this fall has been an honor and gift to me above all else.

— Jeff Prior, Pioneer High School Leader