A Lesson in Patience

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22,23)

These past couple of weeks have been a good lesson in patience. Last session, 1B, I had a camper who has had a rough life, living with his grandparents because his dad is in jail and his mom died. He didn't have the best home life. He was one of those kids that was tough on the outside but soft on the inside. He was probably one of the most difficult kids that we had ever had at camp.

This session I have another camper. He is the most homesick kid I have ever encountered. This is his second year at camp. Last summer was fine for him, but so far, this session has been really tough. He too comes from a broken home. He doesn't know where his mom is, because she's an addict and he barely see's his dad. He currently lives with his grandparents.

In dealing with these kids over the past couple of weeks, I have been taught a good lesson about patience. I would like to think that I am fairly patient with kids when working with them at camp but these two have been two extremes. For the first camper, it was a tough 2 weeks with him. He was constantly causing trouble. This week with the other camper, it's been a struggle to keep him engaged and from getting homesick.

These two weeks though have been a good reminder though that God's love extends to everyone. God cares about everyone equally and while we need to love each and every one of our kids, some of these kids need extra love.

In dealing with these two kids who come from very broken homes, I have gained a greater appreciation for the family that I have. I am fortunate to have grown up in the family that I grew up in.

I don't know what will be next for the first camper. My hope is that he took something away from camp that can help him work his issues out and become a better person. Hopefully, the love that we showed him will translate in his life and he will be able to find that same love when he goes back home.

Each and every day is a small step forward with my camper this session. It takes constant attention to keep him on track and motivate him, but each and everyday is a step forward, even if it's just a small one. It it my hope that he too will take something away from this experience that is positive.

We are a week into the third session of the summer. Session 2A is my favorite session of the summer for some reason. The kids this session have been great. We have a bunch of leaders in the cabin and it has made for a great week so far.