maybe tomorrow

As a Young Life Capernaum leader, I have a unique opportunity to create spaces for adolescents with differing abilities to encounter Jesus, but oftentimes those same adolescents are the ones pointing me back to Christ. This is true of my friend, Mary. We quickly bonded over High School Musical, Trader Joe’s snacks, Tangled karaoke, and cheesecake. Mary has known a life of physical pain and suffering, yet you would never know she has had a bad day in her life. She exudes light and joy and a sweet gratitude for life that, simply put, can only come from the Lord. 

I had the opportunity to take Mary to camp this past summer. She stepped out in bravery, conquering an obstacle course, playing all camp games, making new friends, and living in the truth that the Lord delights in her. At camp, Mary and I quickly started a guessing game of what dessert was going to be for lunch and dinner. For 5 days, Mary wished for cheesecake. When a big cookie or dirt pudding would come out, Mary’s smile would not falter. She would simply say, ‘maybe tomorrow’. 

About a month after camp, I picked up Mary and we drove to Cheesecake Factory. We talked about her upcoming birthday party, whether Tom Holland and Zendaya would get married (spoiler alert- they are now engaged), and enjoyed a big piece of sweet cheesecake. Mary continues to remind me that there can be joy and hope in the waiting. May we wait in anticipation of what the Lord is doing in our lives, even if we say maybe tomorrow.

—  Lauren Huissen, Capernaum Leader