The Eye of the Storm

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:12

It's been a while since I actually wrote, so long it actually feels foreign to sit here typing away at the keyboard. Things like breakfast crew, waterfront buddy checks, a tipped canoe, or the next "this is a repeat after me song" keep you on your toes more then you'd think. However, I'd definitely been experiencing Oregon coast withdrawals,  and it's good to be in my second home for a bit. A week of calm in the middle of a camp summer.


Camp.  I'm trying to find a way to describe the last couple of months and sentences just aren't coming to me. Specific words, however, are. Words like Stretching, Exhausting, Goofy, Wild, Stressful, Precious, and Contentment.

Stretching because Christ is showing me how to rely on Him these past few months in a way that I never thought possible. The necessity of loving people well has taken on a whole new authenticity. To proclaim you want to invest in people is easy; what that actually looks like is a whole different thing. I need God. I need the cross. So, so much. It's really hard to even describe.  To die to self is something pride fights with every ounce of its being, and humility is something that God has to reteach me on a daily basis. It's impossible to do alone.

Exhausting because lets face it, camp isn't a picnic. It's not necessarily even the work, but there is just something about camp ministry that wears you out. Lets be real, I've let this one get to me more then I should. I've used being tired as an excuse to complain, and to anyone reading this from camp I sincerely apologize for that. It's something I want to change when I get back on Sunday. Everyone works hard and no one gets enough sleep, and it leads to some seriously hilarious moments, but also some tough days. Prayer for energy is one that is continually given. 

Goofy because kids are histarical, and the staff truly doesn't care how they look. Mattress surfing, Bear Hunts, Dance parties, and telling campers about Roy (the squid who lives under the dock) are just a few joys. The problem comes when we go outside of camp. Screaming camp songs isn't normal in public society? Oh well. Seriously, you can't take us anywhere. 

Wild because I've gotten to do things I never thought I could. Lifeguarding was never something that I saw myself being capable of, but I honestly love spending every day on that lake. Not only that, but running Archery was seriously great. The job in and of itself is an adventure. Pair that and 200+ kids, and it's a party. 

Stressful because it's hard. Communication lacks, schedules change, drama happens. It's SO easy to become negative and point fingers at others. It's easy to want to give up. To be honest, it's gonna be difficult to go back after being in Cannon Beach this week. This is where I'm comfortable, but it's not where God is calling me.  As a selfish human who would rather just throw in the towel, I'd much rather stay. This is where reliance on Christ comes in the most. Patience and Joy are always a choice, no matter how much we don't feel like choosing them.  I need constant reminders of this (which, by the way, is why I'm ecstatic to be in Cannon Beach this week. The encouragement and reminders of the gospel experienced here are exactly what I needed to get through the rest of this summer. The fellowship recieved here is one that's hard to live without). 

Precious because seeing kids break down walls and recieve the gospel is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Camp really is a place God has set apart for Himself, and the growth that occurs in these kids lives is what makes it all worth it. It's why I'm still working there.

Contentment because that's been the biggest lesson and most difficult to live out.  No matter what the situation or how you feel, the secret to being content is loving people like Christ. Joy no matter the circumstance is found in pursuit of the cross. Whether it's relaxing in Cannon Beach or going a mile a minute at Camp, no matter where you mind yourself, God is there wanting to give peace. Wanting to equipp you to do what He has called you to. He is always and forever faithful, even when we are faithless.

This has been my summer so far. It's a crazy ride; one I feel inadequate for still, but one I'm thrilled to be on. This girl is blessed. 

I here the Savior say, "Thy strength indeed is small
Child of Weakness, Watch and Pray
Find in Me Thy All in All