Weeks go fast in the summer. like blazing stars across the galaxy, I find myself reaching for more time to fly. I'm in the middle of a coffee shop in the middle of the summer in the middle of life right there smack in front of me. I've had 2 decades on this planet and I am still in awe of His new works every day. Today I have time to rest - which believe me doesn't come often. I've been reflecting on what camp is and what it is not. Maybe you'll see where I'm coming from.
Working at camp is not what you think. It's not about the cool job or the mountain view. It's not about spending my days on the water or in a cave. It's not about working along side my best friends. and it's definitely not about the money (it never was). It's not about the instagrams or the snapchats. It's not even about me and my love for the outdoors.
It's about the chills you get when 6th graders do a story journey louder than you yell with all the passion in their souls. It's about little girls sharing how Jesus met them at the top of the AP hubs course and took their fear away. It's about watching boys bow before the Lord in a dimly lit cave. It's about speaking words of life over little girls who remind you of your younger self. It's about the girl who yells your name in the dining hall to tell you how she conquered her fear today. It's about the pictures and the riddles shared on hobo night. It's about the moment you look into a 6th graders eyes and tell them with your whole heart that they are beautiful and Jesus loves them so much. It's those times that make you put down the phone and the cleaning for an hour just to swing in your hammock with the girls in your cabin while it rains. It's the hugs - the prayers - the jokes - the meals shared in those 5 short days around a white table and red chairs.
it doesn't get sweeter than that. but it comes with a price. it does require you to live wide open with your heart on your sleeve. you cannot hide because those kids see right through it. Consequently, they'll see your bad days, but don't worry they'll see the good ones too. They'll catch a glimpse of your bravery or honesty and before you know it, they are singing freedom's song.
I would not trade that sight for anything. I would not trade the moments where I can feel the presence of God so thick in a room or when He gives me the opportunity to speak truth to another. God does some crazy things at camps. but mostly, he just shows up. how lucky am I that I get to witness that on the daily? It makes me want to witness it more and more in the every day. I want to live that wide open life because I believe that's the space where true life is lived.
Here's to a day of rest, 6th graders who want to know Jesus more, and the sweet sweet grace that allows me to live a wide open life here and now. may you experience is love in a new and exciting way today.
Em
it doesn't get sweeter than that. but it comes with a price. it does require you to live wide open with your heart on your sleeve. you cannot hide because those kids see right through it. Consequently, they'll see your bad days, but don't worry they'll see the good ones too. They'll catch a glimpse of your bravery or honesty and before you know it, they are singing freedom's song.
I would not trade that sight for anything. I would not trade the moments where I can feel the presence of God so thick in a room or when He gives me the opportunity to speak truth to another. God does some crazy things at camps. but mostly, he just shows up. how lucky am I that I get to witness that on the daily? It makes me want to witness it more and more in the every day. I want to live that wide open life because I believe that's the space where true life is lived.
Here's to a day of rest, 6th graders who want to know Jesus more, and the sweet sweet grace that allows me to live a wide open life here and now. may you experience is love in a new and exciting way today.
Em
No comments:
Post a Comment