Our thoughts have been getting really camp-centered lately. I've been sorting summer clothes and cleaning out kitchen cupboards and we'll be moving to Camp Shetek in just 3 days! This will be my 8th year at our summer home and I'm so excited to see what Jesus has in store. For anyone reading who doesn't know our story... Grant and I met at this camp in 2006 and have had the opportunity to live and work there together since 2007. Grant's job will be helping maintain the camp grounds as well as giving tube rides on the lake, helping with the ropes course, organizing Mail Call, hosting Skit Night, and filming, editing, + producing all of the camp videos. This year I won't have official camp responsibilities, as my family responsibilities are already a full-time gig. :)
I've been thinking a lot on what my summer mindset should be. Honestly, I'm dreaming of having quiet time in this spot -- making good use of the way the Lord reveals Himself in nature and in His word. I always feel a revived and particular closeness to Him when I'm out here, with the lake and the sky the only things in my view. I'm really gonna try to make time for more purposeful dock-sitting + bible reading this summer at camp. You'd think, living at a bible camp, it would be easy to do both of those things, but it's actually a real challenge.
Not only do I tend to skimp on important things with the fun and freedom that comes with summer, but camp days are our busiest and good habits are easily lost when you uproot normal family life. And I'm a nursing mom + toddler mom, so realistically, it's hard to carve out quiet alone time. The summer days are full and the sun shines long and it makes my mind coast. This year I want to stop that trend. Complacency is not what I want camp to be for me.
I'm praying for a summer of growth in grace and no more coasting. Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love. // Let Thy grace Lord, like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
"Don't let summer make your soul shrivel. God made summer as a foretaste of heaven, not a substitute... It is God’s earth! It is a video preview to the reality of what the eternal summer will be like when “The city has no need of sun or moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb” (Rev. 21:23).
The summer sun is a mere pointer to the sun that will be. The glory of God. Summer is for seeing and showing that. Do you want to have eyes to see? Lord, let us see the light beyond the light." -John Piper
8 comments:
What a fun way to spend the summer... and not to mention romantic that you get to revisit the place you fell in love each year.
I spent much of my summer at a friends lake home and I remember we always lived on "lake time", which is to say that we never paid attention to the time of day... it was all about fun. I hope you find time for God this summer and that your time in nature brings you closer to Him.
How funny, I am in the midst of packing for a Christian camp as well. Although I am a counselor now, I still am so thankful of the Christian fellowship opportunity and how strengthened I feel after the time is passed, it definitely helps combat my usual "spiritual summer slump."
P.S. I am trying laundry baskets instead of suitcases. Hope it works!
As a mama of almost 3 - I find I am much better at Bible reading and intentional study when I pick a book or a ready made bible study to get me started. I am reading and studying James right now. I read and take notes as I read then journal. James is only 5 chapters but I have been doing a little bit for almost a week now. No rushing just what I can and soaking it in. I have 15-20 pages in my journal and on chapter 4 - so a lot of thinking and reflecting happening. Enjoy your summer at "your" place!
I just love this so much. If I had my dream, it would be to teach during the year and spend summers at camp. What fun! And how cool for your kids to grow up in that environment. Blessings to you and hoping you'll have just the right amount of quiet time. :)
That hymn is one I often sing, all day long, helping to make the day holy.
You'll be busy, but even when your arms are full of babies, you can rest your soul in Him. That's what I've found.
Firstly I love your blog. It is refreshing and just a happy place to visit. Secondly I needed that John Piper quote, thanks!
That last paragraph felt like a hug! Thank you for sharing that truth! My His face shine upon you this Summer!
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