Cherishing Final Moments: Reflections on My Daughter's Last Youth Retreat

Watching a child grow up is a journey filled with moments that shape both parent and child. When that journey is intertwined with faith and community, those moments become even more meaningful. This year marked a special milestone: my daughter’s final youth retreat as a high school student. It was also my last retreat attending as both a mom and a pastor. The experience brought a deep sense of gratitude and reflection on the years spent raising my daughters in the church and witnessing their growth.

A selfie of our last retreat

The Significance of Youth Retreats in Faith Formation

Youth retreats offer more than just a getaway. They provide a space for everyone to connect with each other and get more focued on faith and friendshipst. Over the years, these winter retreats have been a special and always exhausting journey. Some years there were hard lessons being learned and challenges within our hearts.

I'm always grateful to be a part of the personal transformation of all the students. But as my own children became participants, i got to see them grow into people who truly can have meaningful conversations, participate in worship, and support others. My daughter’s last retreat felt like the closing chapter of a beautiful story of raising children in the faith.

Balancing Roles: Being a Mom and a Pastor

Attending retreats as both a mom and a pastor brought unique challenges and blessings. I wasn't always sure of my hybrid role and I appreciated the other youth leaders over the years who could be the "pastor" to my children.

The dual role deepened my appreciation for the role that church plays in raising childen. It helped me understand the limits that a parent has, simply because of being the parent. As parents we naturally feel inadequate, but we should not be discouraged. Instead, we should partner with others and offer places for our children to have mentors and leaders to turn to. Seeing my daughters thrive in a varitey of youth group settings has made me appreciate even more the way that our faith communities can nurture resilience, kindness, and purpose for a teen.

Watching Growth Over Time

One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been watching my daughters grow—not just in height (they have passed me by) or in age but in character and faith. From learning to lead small group discussions to volunteering in service projects, they developed skills that extend beyond the church walls.

Their last retreat was a humble awareness of this growth. I looked over at her in worship and saw her reflecting the joy of the Lord. For both of my girls, their faith continues to guide them. And like many moments in this last year of her highschool experience, I realize how important it is to cherish these moments before they pass.

Carrying the Experience Forward

As my daughter steps into the next chapter of her life, I also step into my own next new chapter. As I see her grow, I am more committed than ever to assuring that children and youth Know the Bible, Meet Jesus and Serve with hearts that are loved and forgiven. The formation of the Beacon Christian School is my next chapter. The place where i will make sure that friendships, faith, and a relationship with Jesus are built during formative years.