Not Snowflakes
If you are not aware of the derogatory term ‘Snowflake’ or ‘Generation Snowflake,’ I will catch you up. For the past twenty years or so it has been used to dismiss someone who is upset or hurt by attacking their perceived sense of uniqueness or entitled special-ness.
Alternatively, for those of us who have preschool siblings or small children in our families, you might have a slightly more positive image of snowflakes as they relate to people. I know that I have probably seen the Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood  episode, “Snowflake Day,” ten times.
It has an uplifting point, if not nuanced. Here’s what Daniel’s mom tells him, “Well, snowflakes are just like people -they look a lot alike at first, but each one is different, and each one is special. Just like you, Daniel.” This is not a bad sentiment. It recognizes that everyone is different and special. 
But snowflakes melt.
And not everyone in the world has access to snow.
I’d submit that we have some better analogies that describe the uniqueness of each person’s perspective: Salt & Light.
Jesus called his disciples “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14). I’d rather be salt and light than a snowflake any day, and not merely because these are Jesus’ words. Here are some of the benefits of Salt and Light.

Do you want to start or grow a youth ministry at your church?
Here are a couple of simple rules.
Rule 1: If you want to have a youth ministry in your congregation, enlist qualified adults.
Rule 2: If you want to grow your youth ministry, enlist more qualified adults.

I often meet people at church who tell me that I have a gift with children, or youth, or teaching. While I am not going to dismiss encouragement, I sometimes feel like there is a lingering comparison hiding behind those words. It seems like some of these well-meaning people are convinced that they have no such gift or calling.
I would submit that they could be wrong.
Moreover, if you are older than 18 and don’t think you can help with youth, I’d be happy to convince you otherwise.