A Quiet Morning

After spending a week at Wesley Woods, I found myself at the waterfront before the sunrise this morning. I went to bed well after midnight, but for some reason, I was wide awake enough to watch my favorite part of the day. I do know why I was awake though. It was God’s way of reminding me to slow down and pay attention to my surroundings and what life has to offer.

I’ve spent a week here at camp with middle school children from around the state of Michigan at a United Methodist Church Camp. It has been one super week. So many children who may not get enough love at home having the time of their life. Some kids have great homes and they are able to share God’s love to others and not let their positive home situations cause them to act as though they are better than anybody else here. Sure, there is the usual girl on girl drama and middle school mean-ness. And sure, some boys might play a little rougher than others and have those middle school crushes as the hormones are raging. But the point here is that everybody is loved equally and everybody has a chance to find God in their own way. 

I was one of the nurses at camp this week and thankfully our biggest problem relating to campers was a girl getting her first period. Long story short, she was swimming with a pad, and thought tampons caused cancer! I know it was terrifying for her to be "starting" at camp, but looking at the situation it is slightly comical and reminded us of all of our first periods. We played in our AWESOME mud-pit, making "mud angels," playing tag, balancing on workout balls, and 4 corners tug of war.  We had breakthroughs and breakdowns with campers as the lack of sleep and busy days went on, but all in all we had a great week witnessing to these 90 children. 

Our theme this week was, rightfully so, about the Olympics, as the 2012 London Olympics are currently in progress. Good enough to be an Olympian. Am I really good enough? Being good enough for God. All potent themes we’ve had this week. One night at firebowl, hearing about so many successful people failing before they found success, brought us all to tears. To feel as though I am not worthless even though I didn’t succeed at that last task. To know that I am still loved and still able to do anything I set my mind to because I am good enough. What an amazing thing to be reminded of. There are so many things that can drag us down in this world and it is hopeful to remember that fact. 

It's hard to imagine a life where people cherish every moment and never take anything for granted. Being at camp for this past week reminds me to slow down and take it easy. I seem to always have things planned and organized and completely thought through before I do anything. Is it so hard to just let things be and go with the flow? I am thankful for this peaceful morning and the time to be able to reflect on my life as a wife and a nurse and how I can better live each moment. Why do we all forget how precious life is until a terrible accident or a terminal diagnosis? Why can't we remember that fact BEFORE we are faced with a loved one's death?  How different would our world be if we all slowed down and enjoyed the simple things in life?