We had a great 3rd week with the Real Life panel. I shared my story... but just a slice of it. It's funny because there have been so many crazy, bigger than life events in my life, but the theme I highlighted for this year's real life panel was the absent father theme that left me wanting to be wanted and the achiever theme that causes me to struggle to give God control over my life. Although these are enough and relevant, I often have wondered if this is enough relevant material to have me on the real life panel instead of somebody else.
Last camp, God helped me to see that I was the right person for this panel in the middle of my strategy and wondering if it was the right combination of stories. After the Real Life presentation, one of the campers who approached me to ask questions shared that nothing crazy has happened in her life. She said she didn't relate to the other stories shared, but she did relate to what I shared because she is struggling to give God control of her life. She revealed that she is hesitant to trust God with her life because she is a DOER and thinks she can do a great job herself without him. As an achiever, I know, it is hard to allow God to control your life when you think you are doing a great job and can continue to steer life in your desired direction. We talked about trust. We talked about how to be in relationship with a God who is more concerned with the relationship than the works we achieve, connecting with God as a basis for relationship rather than doing, asking God what he thinks of us and journaling.
She gave me a warm hug and a hearty thanks. (I found out later...) She left our conversation to meet with her leader, Suzy. Suzy sensed strongly that this camper needed to hear words of truth of what God thought of her. The words of deep words of truth flowed quickly from Suzy's lips to this thirsty camper like a refreshing river on a hot day. Afterwards, Suzy felt like the words were for her too, not just for the camper. The camper left the meeting with her leader and sat alone on a rock with her journal and pen to digest what had happened. As she filled 6 pages in her journal, she sensed that God desires for her to know that she is wanted. Not because of what she earns, but simply because of who she is, the beloved daughter of the King of the Universe. Wanted... yes... I am wanted... Several lines were dedicated to that phrase. For the first time in her life, she felt wanted and decided to begin a life with God where she gives control over to Him.
To commemorate this commitment and symbolize her revelation of being wanted by God, she went to the camp store to buy a ring. She picked out the perfect ring, simple with straight lines and a cross cut out. While standing in line she realized the song playing in the store was "Wanted" by Hunter Hayes. When she realized this, she couldn't believe her ears! How very wanted and know she feels by God to orchestrate such details for her delight.
All of this, I found out the next day. This student stood up during the last club during the portion where campers who make a commitment to Christ stand up and say so. She stood up with Suzy, and told the camp that this week she is ready to give God control of her life. Her eyes sparkled when she said it and inside my heart leaped for joy and excitement over God's intention for this young lady's life. After the club, I found her, she greeted me with a hug and told me the whole story I told you and she thanked me again.
God uses what we give when we are faithfully serving. I thought I had it figured out. I thought it odd that I was sharing a mild slice of the story of what God has done in my life. It was sweet to end with a story about how God used what seemed ordinary and not particularly dramatic to draw kids to himself. I'm thankful that God used it to bring campers closer to Him and feel lucky to be part of the proclamation. As the campers for this week left, Jeff and I stood at the beginning of the ramp and were shocked at how thankful the campers were. They all thanked us. I think the overall message kids hear when they come to camp is that they are wanted. Some hear it by watching the work crew serve selflessly, or the excellence of the program, the beauty of the property, or the unending love of their young life leaders who brought them to camp.
This week we have a new camp, there is no Real Life panel. We have a 5 day camp with a condensed schedule. More updates soon!!
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