The return of structure

Having worked as part of a structured Youth group for a fair few years now I've seen the difference that can come of such work.  I even ended up speaking to a local chaplain who was of the opinion that such work is increasing and the call for it is growing as people have begun to notice the implications of a far too liberal upbringing.  To further explain such a point i'll refer you to the video below from TED.com on the very same subject.

For the few or for the many

"Sacrifice the few to save the many"

I was speaking to my captain the other day in terms of the numbers in our sections and the like in the calm after the storm.  We sat talking with the other officers after the company night as to how to go forward in the new year.  However something my captain said bugged me.

" Some kids are great to have in the group, but as much as we try to keep these kids, they will eventually give up."  Referring to the odd kids, the loners so to say.  Imaginative, artistic and highly creative are often major characteristics.  Sport on the other hand is not.  So when it comes to games which the others enjoy greatly, these ones often sit on the sidelines.

Of course when running the games you are often stuck to almost ignore the one.  I struggle with this concept.  When I'm not running an activity i make it my duty to encourage those whom sit aside.  The answers from them often being, "i'm no good at sports", or in some rare cases "i like it but i just want to sit out".  (Some kids really confuse me).

So unless another officer does the duty of talking to these kids I can do but shout encouragement in between running things, a task that is often unsuccessful.  I have rarely seen another officer do so, they've often tried and given up.

Sometimes you even make headway with a child, who then leaves without word. Somewhat soul destroying.

So my thoughts lie with the singular statement above.  Is it worth more to run our activities for the many, or try to do so for the few at the risk of losing the others?

Sadly, my captain may have wisdom I'm too stubborn to accept.  How about you?

Finding a new stage

I'm at the point where my degree is about over, a couple exams left and I'm on blogger, perhaps not my best plan.  But I needed to let go for a bit so here I am, back for the first time in months!

All I can think about is how leaving the city after the last 3 years is going to go.  A new stage in my life is about to begin and I'm no closer to finding my way.  I'm still looking up and down the country at mechanical engineering jobs, not to mention youthwork jobs on the side.  But the more I look, the more it sinks in that in all likelihood I shall be leaving the city that has become my home.

Now I tell you that yes, I have asked God in prayer for the answer, I've asked many times.  I get the same answer;  That no matter where I choose to go, God has got something for me to work on.  For every mechanical engineering job I see a need for youth work in the area and a Boys' Brigade nearby where I see potential.  My friends say I am being taught patience, but the stress of a dwindling bank account and the thought of returning to my parents when a job doesn't come fills me with disappointment.

Then there is every Youth work opportunity that brings the need for extra qualifications and a paycheck far short of what i would receive in engineering.  But with each youthwork opportunity i see the space to return to mechanical engineering as a hobby, to rekindle a passion for which academia has removed in my recent years.  But I also see struggles, perhaps I fear failing my charges, but i suppose that is what I must face to move forward, even in engineering I see the job at hand very daunting, with new machines and complications.  Money is certainly not everything to me when I see a chance to help those who need it.

The facts are thus however, as of yet I have no offer for anything.  I have reached an impasse and only a true leap of faith will suffice if I am to continue on the proper path but perhaps I must choose the direction myself.