Why I prefer marriage advice from 17-year-old guys

It was the spring of 2012 and I sat in a retreat tent as two 15-year-olds who were seeking prayer looked at me with skepticism. I was eight years their senior and in their minds I may as well have been an out of touch 50-year-old. I was completely uncool in their book- until I switched the gamut on them and pulled out the heavy artillery. I started sharing a laundry list of mistakes and indiscretions that would make my mother cringe. It did the trick. They slowly relaxed and began opening up.

The rest was history.

Four years later, those guys and their friends are now in college, but I’ve got another crop working their way through high school, making each Sunday filled with fun, junk food, football, fellowship, and diving into the Bible.

Huddle Stephanie dinner 12_15_14

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus calls all His followers to make disciples. As I’m learning, this command is often easier said than done. Weeks go by and I often feel as if absolutely nothing is happening. Is anything I am saying getting through? Is one word that we read accomplishing anything?

I need to constantly be reminded of these words by Robert Louis Stevenson: “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” I am forced to humbly accept the fact that in some cases I may not see fruit for years. However, even in the meantime, I love what I’m doing and I love these guys.

I put together a video with a look into Sundays through interviews with the guys. On top of providing continued entertainment, they shed light on advice for me for marriage.

Needless to say, Stephanie and I were taking notes:

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3 Comments

  1. OMG, these guys are so adorable! Looks like your Sundays must be a lot of fun, Ryan! I’m glad they have a caring & wise role model in you. Thanks for sharing this part of your life.

    • ryan.s.atkins@gmail.com
      ryan.s.atkins@gmail.com

      Thanks Mindy. I’m not sure how thrilled they would be with being called “adorable” but glad you enjoyed the video! Sundays are definitely a blast.

  2. Jeannie handelsman
    Jeannie handelsman

    Loved this and I see fruit Ryan!!!

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