Volume 41: Rest in the True Source

Today, I opened my blogger website to write todays post and saw before me 40 posts about rest and I took a deep breath... As much as I love the Sabbath and rest, I am quite exhausted.. I haven't been able to feel great rest this summer - physically, mentally or emotionally. My body is worn out... I'm pretty sure I could go to sleep at about 7 PM every night if the schedule allowed. 

All that to say, I am tired. Our work days are about 7 AM - 11:30 PM every day... To some, that may sound CUCKOO CRAZY!! And it is. BUT it is worth it. 

Because even after a long week of closing out second session, there's now a new set of 1,200 kids at camp for the next session. A set of 1,200 kids who have been looking forward to coming to camp throughout the whole year. A set of 1,200 kids that are longing to learn more about Jesus, whether they know it or not. A set of 1,200 kids who just want to have FUN. And that all deserve the same energy and experience as the first campers that were at camp. 

No matter how tired we may be, at the end of the day, this job is one that pushes you to look beyond yourself and to serve others around you. 

And the beautiful thing is that you're never alone in it. 

Yesterday, we had 18 buses arrive to camp - meaning 18 buses worth of trunks and duffel bags and laundry bags and box fans. And all of that luggage has to get to the campers cabin...

It was over 100 degrees yesterday so I was dreading my time to go over to the sat lot and help with the luggage... But as I pulled up, to my surprise, they were on the last two buses and all of the other luggage had already been sorted. And in that moment, I thought to myself, "WHAT! This place is amazing!" That the team of people at the sat lot were DRENCHED with sweat and moving trunks and bags and yet still smiling and the energy was high. Talk about being tired!

As I thought more about that scene, I think it's a beautiful picture of what happens when we come together and work as a team. These days, there's so much division and emphasis on independence. But, in reality, we really need one another and to serve each other. 

I am grateful to work for a place where you are never alone in the work you are doing. We wouldn't function without each part of our staff. So while we all get tired and worn out, it's motivating to think of the bigger picture. 

One moment that I find rest each session is in the session video - a time to sit and watch the kids' smiling faces and reflect on the why. Every time, I see things in the video that I never see in person and almost forget they exist at camp. From horseback rides to mountain biking to the skate park, there's so many different things going on at camp. It's amazing how it all operates! 

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Sunday mornings are one of the busier mornings for me - with setting up staff check in, collecting phones and keys, and then making sure we have all of them turned in. But yesterday, I made sure to PAUSE and walk into the BOP for worship. And in that moment, I felt peace. So often, I get caught up in the speed and busyness and forget to take some time to recalibrate and take a deep breath. 

Singing out the words of Goodness of God with all of our summer staff was a moment of rest. 

My sabbaths may not look the same. 

I may not get to go to church and worship. 

My time in the mornings reading may be cut short. 

But I still have the same God, who is my never-ending source of rest and strength. The same God who states, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

May I lean into the true source of all rest. For He is able to work through unexpected ways, when I least expect it. 

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I have been blessed with Benjamin Hastings new song, Agenda. WOAH. The lyrics are exactly what I need and a beautiful prayer. 

As I lean in closer
Help me get to know you
I don't just mean in part -
All of my heart is yours
And I know I'm gettin' older
But don't let this fire grow colder
'cause this feels just like the start
And all of my heart is yours