the delayed gratification of youth work

 It's often said that youth work is a thankless task.  I don't agree.   It just seems like it some days.   And then there are other days when you get a Facebook message like this and all the "why do I bother" questions fall into place:

Hi Paul.
Hope you and your family are well!
Do you still reside in the UK or are you now jet setting around the globe?
If you are still here in Birmingham, would you be free at some point for a catch up/chat?
I have had quite a few problems recently (mostly sorted now) that seem to have subsided since i started thinking about faith and what you taught me all those years ago.
Sorry to contact you out of the blue!
Again, i hope you and yours are well.

Thanks, Bob

I'm going to try and get together with Bob (no; of course that's not his real name!) before Christmas.