In His Steps

All good things must come to an end. Tomorrow the last official camp session will reach its conclusion and the campers will travel back to their respective homes. I too will be packing my many camp t-shirts, work clothes, twin size bedding, and various belongings to return to my usual life. After two months filled with long hours and hard (and often hot) work, I'm eager to return to my usual routine. I have missed the opportunity to spend time with my family and good friends and to participate in my usual activities such as church at home, teaching, and workouts at the gym. Reflecting back on the past eight weeks, though, this truly has been a summer to remember and which has really touched my heart. Each weekly session has brought a fresh group of directors, cabin leaders, and eager campers to the grounds. It has been a joy to meet so many individuals who have come together for the sole purpose of growing in our knowledge of God mixed in with lots of outdoor activities, singing, food, and good old-fashioned fun. The members of our staff are individuals I have learned to admire for their strong faith and eagerness to serve God. How truly blessed I feel that God placed before me the opportunity to be in this place.

As I prepare to say goodbye until I volunteer as a cabin leader next summer, I also think about the camp theme, In His Steps, and verse this year.
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps.
1 Peter 2:21
I have such an awesome God who sent His only Son to Earth to love with the greatest love, to teach, to heal, and to save us. He lived and died for me, a sinner, so that I might find relationship with Him and spend eternity with my Creator. As we have watched campers leave throughout the summer, we have hoped that they will have been touched by this message and will carry it into their normal daily routines and lives. It's much easier when we are living in community with fellow believers and are encouraged with Christian advice, messages in chapel, worship songs, and the removal of daily distractions. Now it's my turn to prepare myself for my usual life and routines. I have no illusions that following in His steps is easy. It never has been for Christians past to present. I too know from personal experiences each and every day. However, there are some things I have learned this summer that I believe can help Christians to be encouraged and to keep our eyes turned toward our Savior. These aren't anything new; however, it's always good to be reminded.
1. Find time to study God's word. - Studying God's word both independently and with a group provides deeper insight into God, faith, and Christian life. There's a reason that this habit is emphasized in the Bible itself!
2. Find solid Christian friends for encouragement and support. - Nothing can influence your activities and behaviors quite like those who you spend your time with. Find solid Christians who you are comfortable sharing with and who will reciprocally encourage and support you.
3. Immerse yourself and let go in Christian music and worship. - Chapel continues to be my favorite part of church camp. I love to join with other believers in singing beautiful songs of praise and to simply worship God. This is something that I can carry into my daily life by listening to stations such as KLove or Christian artists on my computer.
4. Find time to get away from the distractions of the world. - In particular, camp has taught me that trying to remove yourself from the distractions of the world and focusing first and foremost on God puts everything else in perspective. I have been amazed at how little I have felt stressed or worried about other things in life. When we place God as number one, our outlook and approach to other areas of life is much more balanced, healthy, and productive.

I wish I could say that I was proficient at the actions listed above. Unfortunately, I have such growth to strive for in every area. I believe, though, that walking in His steps is a continual journey. Living more in the way that has been shown us takes continual effort and change along the way to become a more mature Christian. It is my hope that as I return home, others will see me and recognize that there is something different about those that follow in His steps. If you are a fellow believer, I ask that you encourage me in this continued lifelong journey as I wish to do the same for you.

Indian Creek Baptist Camp
(View looking toward chapel)