It’s that time of the year when we say good-bye to the seniors. It’s sad but amazing time because for most of them, they just spent 4 years in the ministry. What a great time it has been, am I right? This is the time of the year where we think about the perfect give to give the seniors during their last few moments in our ministry? Do we get them a book? A gift card? A slide show? Some sort of gift with the ministry logo on it so they always carry it around? Sure, why not. Who doesn’t like free stuff? While I think it is great to want to give them a tangible something to take with them, I think we need to focus on the most valuable, something you can’t take back, type gift.

TIME.

My small group guys are all graduating in the next few weeks. Almost all of them are going away for college. I am getting them a little something to take with them at our end of the year party next week. But I also have texted them individually saying that I want to get as much one-on-one time with them before they leave to move out to their school. And you know what? Almost every single one of them jumped on the opportunity and already scheduled a coffee, a lunch, or hang out.

Whether it’s your small group, or all your seniors, after you pick out hat you want to send them off with, try to get time with them. You will love it. They will appreciate it. You can’t put a price on it. It’s most valuable. It’s most effective.