For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12
Some of you may know that I’ve been helping with music at the Conference middle school camp down at the Pinelands Center at Mount Misery this week. This means I get to see dozens of 11-14 year old kids first thing in the morning and in the evening after a day of outdoor fun. I also get to see the impossible energy and enthusiasm the counselors here share with the kids in their cabins around the clock.
Still, there’s always a withdrawn kid on the edge of the crowd or a small group having a rough time by evening program. We can’t know what these kids experienced at home before they arrived Monday or what they will return to Saturday. What we get to do is spend the week sharing round the clock exuberance and love.
It’s always strange to revisit experiences with some temporal distance. Summer camp is something that kids legendarily complain about the entire time they are there only to begin asking when they get to go back as soon as the car doors close at pickup. Even I, under 100 degree lights on a stage with no ventilation, tired and irritable at another overlong rehearsal, will miss this experience when it’s over. When have you found yourself challenged in an experience only to realize later it had been shaping you into a more mature, strong, and capable person?
Keep the faith,
Pastor Ben
When Things Look Bad