Week three:
Sunday was a huge surprise for me. After working all afternoon I was given an unexpected challenge. One of the counselors for the camp this week didn't show up, and they asked me to fill in for one night until they could get a replacement. It wasn't the relaxing evening I had in mind. However, it was exactly the evening God had in mind for me.
After spending at least a week of summer staff feeling worn out and drained I never would have thought that a night of watching middle schoolers was exactly what I needed. But, oddly enough, the next morning I felt wonderfully rejuvenated. The days that followed were all equally energized. God is so good...even if he does provide in strange ways.
This last week has been full of beautiful, painful and exciting moments in our community. We have been able to support each other, challenge each other and grow with each other. I know that I am playing a good part in this community, but I continue to wonder if there is something that I am missing. Is it enough to be there for people; to support and encourage and provide what I can when it's needed? Or do I need to be more actively pursuing people's needs?
I need God's grace so much. The more and more I pursue him and desire to follow him, the more I realize just how much I need him. I need his grace. I need his love. I need his joy.
Lord help me?
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Following To Lead
We're finally into the swing of things here on twin rocks summer staff. We've almost finished our first work week. It is really different being on lifeguard duty. Because of the weather it is mostly just standing around watching a few people paddle around in canoes. So far I haven't had to jump in and rescue anyone. That's a good thing.
During all my maintenance work time I've been helping one of the head facilities guys build a storage shed for the archery equipment. I've never seen myself as much of a wood worker/builder person because I've had too many of those projects in the past turn out...poorly. However, this project has been very enjoyable, and it's coming along great; it looks amazing.
My evenings have been pretty busy the last few days preparing for a worship service we had Tuesday evening. It was really neat to see God work in and through my accountability group (which was responsible for the service) both in the planning and implementation of the service. I had my concerns at the beginning of the process, but God quickly worked to iron those out.
It will be nice to have my evenings back--now that the service is over--so that I can focus more on developing relationships with the other summer staff.
In the last few days I've been told by several people how others in the summer staff look up to me, or whatever. I only mention this because it is a truly frightening and humbling thing. If others are looking to me and my example, then that example needs to be directing them to Christ. How is that possible if I am not seeking and following Christ? That means that the most important element in my relationships with others is my relationship with God. It can be easy to lose sight of that, and it can be hard to know exactly how to pursue that.
So that is what I need--to be faithfully pursuing and enjoying my relationship with God, and following Christ's example. Please pray for me.
God bless.
During all my maintenance work time I've been helping one of the head facilities guys build a storage shed for the archery equipment. I've never seen myself as much of a wood worker/builder person because I've had too many of those projects in the past turn out...poorly. However, this project has been very enjoyable, and it's coming along great; it looks amazing.
My evenings have been pretty busy the last few days preparing for a worship service we had Tuesday evening. It was really neat to see God work in and through my accountability group (which was responsible for the service) both in the planning and implementation of the service. I had my concerns at the beginning of the process, but God quickly worked to iron those out.
It will be nice to have my evenings back--now that the service is over--so that I can focus more on developing relationships with the other summer staff.
In the last few days I've been told by several people how others in the summer staff look up to me, or whatever. I only mention this because it is a truly frightening and humbling thing. If others are looking to me and my example, then that example needs to be directing them to Christ. How is that possible if I am not seeking and following Christ? That means that the most important element in my relationships with others is my relationship with God. It can be easy to lose sight of that, and it can be hard to know exactly how to pursue that.
So that is what I need--to be faithfully pursuing and enjoying my relationship with God, and following Christ's example. Please pray for me.
God bless.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Living In Community
I have just completed the orientation week of Twin Rocks Friends Camp Summer Staff 2010. It has been an incredible week filled with fun games, great conversations, and new and renewed friendships. The sense of community so far gives me great hope for the summer ahead of us. Each individual has demonstrated such a deep love of Christ and attitude of service toward others that it cannot be questioned that I am among family.
Even so, I have encountered a few struggles this week. The most prevalent is the lack of energy I'm experiencing. I would like to chalk it all up to lack of sleep and hard days, but most of our time has been spent sitting in orientation classes. Perhaps this is only a passing phase as I adjust to summer staff life, but either way I'm going to need a great heap of God's strength and grace to continue the summer while living in community well.
The other thing that I'm struggling with is the danger of living in community. Although so much good has been demonstrated in the last week, there is always potential in people to hurt each other. We talk a lot here about making sure that this is a safe community for people to live in and share, but the fact of the matter is that there is always some danger. This danger should in no way keep us from loving each other and allowing others to love us, but it can be a formidable block to the kind of community we are trying to form.
Fear can override almost any intentions. The only way to combat fear is with love. "Perfect love casts out fear." So along with God's strength and grace I need God's love. "We love because He first loved us." He is the author and initiator of love. Without his love I can do nothing good.
This summer holds great hope and promise, but only if we continue this summer holding tightly to the unifying arms of God. Your prayers would be much appreciated.
God bless.
Even so, I have encountered a few struggles this week. The most prevalent is the lack of energy I'm experiencing. I would like to chalk it all up to lack of sleep and hard days, but most of our time has been spent sitting in orientation classes. Perhaps this is only a passing phase as I adjust to summer staff life, but either way I'm going to need a great heap of God's strength and grace to continue the summer while living in community well.
The other thing that I'm struggling with is the danger of living in community. Although so much good has been demonstrated in the last week, there is always potential in people to hurt each other. We talk a lot here about making sure that this is a safe community for people to live in and share, but the fact of the matter is that there is always some danger. This danger should in no way keep us from loving each other and allowing others to love us, but it can be a formidable block to the kind of community we are trying to form.
Fear can override almost any intentions. The only way to combat fear is with love. "Perfect love casts out fear." So along with God's strength and grace I need God's love. "We love because He first loved us." He is the author and initiator of love. Without his love I can do nothing good.
This summer holds great hope and promise, but only if we continue this summer holding tightly to the unifying arms of God. Your prayers would be much appreciated.
God bless.
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