Sunday was Opening Day of Session H, our last week with campers! There we sat, on the front red table in the chow hall, eating breakfast. Debbie shared that in the past, Sam would always discuss the story in John 21:3-19 before 5th session began:
"Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish."
One more time.
The disciples were worn out. They had spent all night fishing and did not catch anything. They were probably discouraged, frustrated and running low on patience.
So when Jesus showed up on the scene, I am sure they felt mocked by this stranger... feeling like he was making fun of them...
Despite being tired and discouraged, they listened to his instruction and tried casting the net one more time.
And the results? So many fish they couldn't even reel it in!
One more time.
We've been going since April 14th... we have been casting many nets, some of which come back empty. Day after day, working long hours. Work that can be draining and emotionally and physically exhausting.
Yet, here we are - with one more time.!
One more time to cast our nets.
One more group of 1,207 campers to serve.
One more group of staff to lead and stretch.
One more week to be surrounded by laughter and friendships.
It's a humbling thing that we serve a God who is fully capable and even willing to fill our nets as we cast out this last time. Even if we feel like we have little to give, our God takes what we have and multiplies it.
And the result? We will reel in nets of blessings all around us... more than we can count and more than we can even see or notice!
Kids learning about God and growing closer to Him!
Staff building a lifelong community!
Safety and God's protection over camp!
Learning what it looks like to depend on God in our every day life!
One more time. God, we give it to you!
In the moments of dreading staff running up to me, preparing myself for the questions they will ask...
Yet, there came Olivia Dayhuff, running down the hill towards me, simply to just give me a hug and say hey and ask how I was doing! A blessing in my net.
In the moments of fearing the Kitchen Staff was tired after having to work down 5 people and they would end the summer on a bad note.
Yet, I walked into the Summit Kitchen to enjoy tacos with the Kitchen Staff, all laughing and enjoying their time together. A blessing in my net.
In the moments of worrying about the Cleaning Crew since they were now down a supervisor.
Yet, I walked by the BOP and witnessed all the cleaning crew and work crew, surrounding a giant inflatable and lifting it together, each grabbing a piece of the bottom. When I asked, "Why are you not using the dolly!? You need to save your strength!" Thomas quickly pointed to the group and exclaimed, "they are my strength!" A blessing in my net.
In the moments of walking across the dark bridge to enter into the burbs after a long day.
Yet, I hear the counselors yelling the shower names in accents and the campers singing in the bath house. A blessing in my net.
In the moments of wanting to go home to go to sleep, but being assigned to work the staff Bingo night later on.
Yet, Kori Kate and Maryanna Bucee's impression over and over again made me cry because I was laughing so hard. A blessing in my net.
One more time. May I keep casting out my net.
Keep showing up.
Keep listening.
Keep learning.
Keep taking advantage of the opportunities laid out in front of me!
And catch the blessings!
On Tuesday, Debbie and Dave spent their entire day, from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM talking to internationals, looking for...
TRUTH.
Yet, everyone seemed to be lying, not telling the truth.
And it left us frustrated and confused of what to do next...
A lack of truth is chaos.
Thank you, Lord, that we have an unwavering, constant TRUTH. A truth we can always rely on.
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