Volume 137: Rest in Takin' It All In

As I walked up the hill towards the Ultimate Solution fire up, I approached the large crowd of black shirts standing in the grass, gathering their flagging and markers to get ready to ref. But then, I noticed Megan sitting off to the side, by herself. 

I went to take a seat next to her and asked her what she was doing. Immediately, she responded *in full Megan accent* "Well, Mother, I'm just takin' it allll in." 

Listening to the conversations around her.
The sound of the wooden poles banging on the ground during practice.
The view of a sea of blue in the BOP. 

Her last Ultimate Solution (for now, hopefully...). Her last session at camp (for now, hopefully...). Her last full day at camp before starting her new full time job. 

Takin' it all in. 

With tears in her eyes and gratitude in her heart. 

Megan is special and a rare find. Not to mention, she was my very first hire. And since then, she's been one of the biggest reminders of the why behind everything that I do for staff recruiting. She came to camp and jumped right in, buying into the culture, and now has such a contagious love for Ozark. She pours her heart into everything she does, and, more impressively, everyone she meets. It's amazing to walk around camp with Megan and witness everyone yelling "Hey. Megan!" whether a middle school boy who had her as a cabin sister 4 summers ago or a random camper she rode a bus with from Baton Rouge 3 summers ago or a camper in her current cabin. 

A hire that quickly became a friend. And a reminder to find the joy in the small things!

To slow down and take it all in. 

Just a few hours later, we stood at the oldest boys obstacle course, as the Osage and Caddo finishers were running the course at the same time. We ran through the senses - hearing the Kickingbirds cheering in front of us, seeing the boys give it their all around the tree, smelling the grass below our feet, feeling ~grateful~, and tasting victory (go caddo). 

Takin' it all in. 

Later that night, all top staff and permanent staff gathered in the Studio for our Final Friday meeting, enjoying milkshakes and pizza to close out the session. 

Surrounded by amazing people.
Led by our wonderful leaders.
Speaking encouragement over our departing top staff.
Laughing and giving thanks for a great, safe 4th session!

But, just a seat down from me, there was Megan... crying. Overwhelmed with gratitude and sad to leave her favorite place. 

Takin' it all in. 

On Saturday, after the staff departed and we had cleaned up the Large Gym, we typically stick around for the afternoon to finish up work that needs to be done. However, in a beautiful moment of spontaneity, Yellerton, Bailey and I decided to go swimming in the river. And the whole time, I couldn't stop mentioning how it felt like true Sabbath rest. 

With two of my favorite humans.
Surrounded by the beautiful trees and greenery. 
Feeling the cool water around us. 
The lack of noise - just peaceful quietness and stillness. 
Seeing the dinosaur and dragon float. 

That morning, in Everyday Gospel, PDT had said "Contentment itself is a gift from God... When I'm content, the joy in my heart protects me from finding things to grumble about."

And let me tell you, I was not grumbling! I was experiencing contentment in that hour.  As I laid back on my amazing draco float, there was no where else I'd rather be in that moment. 

Slowing down. Takin' it all in. 

Once we made it to our destination along the river, we headed over to Emma Kate's 3rd Birthday party. Year after year, it's never failed to be a wonderful event. 

As I looked around, I was just so thankful for our Ozark family - so many people I adore and who we have all been through a lot together, serving the same mission. 

Emma Kate walking on the island, kicking over a cup of coffee. 
Other kids all blowing the party horns.
Multiple conversations going on all around in the kitchen.
Some kids outside playing in the inflatable pool.

A moment of complete overstimulation yet so much joy. 

Takin' it all in. So much to be thankful for.

For dinner, we walked over to Debbie's house (this was a perfect Ozark village day, might I add!) to celebrate the one and only Bailey Thayer, as she wraps up her final summer after spending every summer of her. whole. life. here. (Feel free to read my bragging on Bailey here.)

Sitting around a circle table, sharing a meal together.
Able to have real conversations without radio or phone interruptions.
Bruce whining, waiting for someone to give him food. 
Bailey always attempting to get attention off of her.
Ice cream and cool weather sitting around a picnic table on the back porch, looking onto the river. 

Takin' it all in. 

On Sunday morning, after all the staff had turned in their phones and we cleaned up the Field House, I took my spot in the back corner of the BOP for the Opening Day Staff meeting. As I stood there and took it all in, I was so thankful for the group of staff that stood in front of me, singing out praise. So many amazing college kids, many whom have been here all summer long, giving so much of themselves - their energy and time. 

Guys with arms around one another, worshipping together. 
Elizabeth in front of me, comforting her friend. 
Tanner leading worship, as he's faithfully done year after year.
Scott showing video from orientation - 10 weeks ago! 
And then the video of the finishers in Ultimate Solution. 
All staff energized and motivated and excited for 5th session! 

Takin' it all in. 

Today, I sit here in Mena, Arkansas, enjoying my day off. I adventured to the State Park down the road (it took me 10 summers to do so oops). 

As I looked out at this view, I just gave thanks to God. For His creation and beauty and goodness and vastness.

I saw beautiful trees and mountains and green and blue sky.
I felt a cool breeze refresh me, at higher elevation.
I smelled the crisp air and nature.
I heard birds chirping and a flag waving in the wind. 

Takin' it all in. 

Reflecting just on how truly good God is. 

There are a lot of parts of the summer that are challenging. But when I take the time to slow down and just take it all in, there are so many parts of the summer that are really beautiful. That are unlike anything else. 

A wonderful place with amazing people serving a purposeful mission. 

May we all always be quick to take moments, as Megan did, and appreciate the small things!