Put a Pebble in their Shoe by Amy Jones

It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.

This expression took on new meaning this past August at T.R.A.C. Torrance, California, when a veteran camp counselor encouraged the team as they prepared for the weekend with campers.

“Ask open-ended questions about deeper subjects than their favorite color or ice cream flavor,” she suggested. “Get to know your girls by hearing what they say. Listen for negative comments regarding their perspective on God.”

I’ve tried prayer and it just doesn’t work.

I don’t think God likes me.

“Correct these beliefs right away,” the veteran counselor advised.

What a great way to point youth to God’s truth. Like a pebble in their shoes, campers and mentees won’t forget an idea which is counter to their beliefs.

That’s why Deuteronomy 6:6-7 is one of our core Bible verses at Teen Reach. “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Let’s keep putting pebbles in their shoes.