At the beginning of each session
in our cabin we do an activity that allows campers to ask questions. Each camper
is given an index card during devotions. On this index card they are asked to
write a question or a set of questions. These can be questions that they have
about Jesus, the bible, or anything related to our relationship with Jesus. They
can also write on the card that they have problem at home or school that they
want help with. They are not required to put their name on the card. This
allows all campers to freely ask questions that may be on their heart. If it is
a question without a name listed, then we will answer it later in the week
during devotion. If they write their name on the card, then we address the question/problem
with them specifically. This gives kids the opportunity to get their questions answered
and to seek that help and guidance that they may have come to camp looking
for. I have found this activity very
helpful as it helps to start conversations with campers very early on during
the week. It is also another means for the camper to express himself.
Last night
we answered several questions listed on the cards. One question that a camper
wrote was “Why are we important to God.” As we talked through this question
last night we got to the heart of what this question was all about. The meat of
this question was “Why does God love us so much.” As Christians we are called
to recognize the unconditional love that God has for us. Once we have recognized
it, we must accept it. Sometimes though we can struggle with this, whether we
are a Christian or not. We can often struggle with accepting God’s love for us
even though we know it’s there, waiting for us. We have this sin problem in our
lives. But because of what Jesus did on the cross for us, displaying the
ultimate love for us, because of that, we can be saved from this sin.
Each
and every day here at camp I am reminded time after time why we are so important
to God and why he loves us so much, despite how many times we screw up. We make
a complete mess out of ourselves, even on our best day, and yet, God’s grace
and love for is greater than anything we could ever say or do. That alone gives
me energy to live every day glorifying God through my actions. Knowing that his
love is so great for me that no matter how hard or fall I fall, he will be there
to pick me up is the comfort I need to carry me every step of the way.
This
has been a big week for me. I received my official acceptance letter to Central
Baptist Theological Seminary in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. I will begin school
there on August 20th working towards a Masters of Divinity Degree. I
was also offered a job as a Site Director in the YMCA after-school program in
North Carolina. After much consideration, I turned down that job offer as I did
not feel that was where God was leading me right now. The next step in my
journey is to find a job for this coming year. There are several opportunities
that I am currently exploring right now, all with their own perks and
challenges, all with sacrifices that will have to be made to accept the job. The
difficult part is waiting to see how everything unfolds.
In the
midst of figuring out plans for the fall, I am wrapping up the final 2 week session
of the summer. After next Friday, a majority of the staff will leave and we
will have the one week Starter Camp to close out the summer. The physical strain
has kicked in this summer. I have found myself needing rest more and unable to
push through. This day off was much
needed. Now it’s to push forward, not looking back, not looking ahead, but
giving it all each and every day, one step at a time.
That's my co!
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