How great You are

         

          The past two weeks were the best two weeks I have ever had at camp in the four years I have been here. I could not have asked for a better cabin. Not only did I begin with a good cabin, I was able to see tremendous growth in each camper this session. This was the most difficult group of kids to say goodbye to because I became the most emotionally attached to them. I feel this happened for several reasons. First, I was able to make a genuine connection with each camper, something I find difficult each session. There are kids that we will naturally gravitate towards but this session was different. I was able to find that connection with each one of them. These kids were just simply awesome. They were a pure joy to be around. They taught me just as much, possibly more than I taught them, about the important things in life.

       As these campers have left there have been several things that have popped into my mind. I'm going to miss these kids, each and every one of them. I have very fond memories of this past session. In thinking about those memories from the past session, it has made me realize the memories lost from previous sessions this summer. I had some really good kids the sessions before this last one and  those memories have seemed to fade away. At camp we can't dwell too long on the past because the future is there waiting for us. Things at camp move so quickly. One moment it's opening day, the next you're saying goodbye. 

       I feel scatterbrained right now as I write this post. I know for this next session, I need to be focused. This is the last full session of the summer. I know it will be difficult, especially since I am coming off a high from the last session. But this is part of the challenge. I know that this new cabin will present new and different challenges than I have seen already this summer. When we lose focus or sight of the goal, it can become nearly impossible to find out way on our own. When we find ourselves lost, we must turn to the Author and Perfecter of our faith.  I download this past week a bunch of music by Christian artist Phil Wichkam. One of the album was called "Cannons". The chorus to this song has been echoing my ears this past week.

You are holy great and mighty

The moon and the stars declare who You are.

 I'm so unworthy, but still You love me 

Forever my heart will sing of how great You are

       When I find myself going back to a song or a set of lyrics, then I feel like its an indicator that God may be trying to get my attention. So, I am turning my attention to these lyrics and how they apply to the here and now.

       We are so unworthy of God's love and grace. We will mess up on a daily basis. And yet, God's love for us never fails, it never weakens. If I am to finish strong this summer, I must remember this. I need God's strength and love every day, but I also need his grace.

The work that God has ordained me to this summer is a blessing. It's a blessing because just as I am pouring into these kids, trying to help them know this awesome guy named Jesus, the Lord is also poring into me. How can I not sing his praises and exhale his name each and every day?

Prayer: Jesus, you truly are great and mighty. Help us to recognize that on a daily basis and let that be the replenishment that we need each and every day. Let us find that rest in you because you are so great and so mighty. We are not worthy of your love and yet you love us still. What greater love can we rest upon knowing your love for us is greater than anything else. Amen.