Volume 137: Rest in "You're Bigger"

"Aslan," said Lucy, "you're bigger."

"That is because you are older, little one," answered he. 

"Not because you are?"

"I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger."

I was recently reminded of this scene written in Prince Caspian in the Narnia series.
It gets me every time.
It is so true!

Year after year, I grow to know more and more of who God is and how evident His hand is in all things. 

If you recall, this summer, one of my projects was my "Stories to Tell board" above my life-changing desk in my room!

For me, in the past, I probably would have only deemed a story "worth telling" if a camper accepted Christ or prayed out loud or something that seemed "monumental" in someone's faith. 

However, these days, I more easily see God in it all. In the big moments but even more so in the small moments. 

In the restful moments and in the moments of hard work. 

In the rain and in the sun. 

In the people that are easy to love and those that are harder. 

In the moments of joy and in the tears. 

There are all kinds of moments here, scribbled in Crayola marker, late at night when I return home and recall something from the day. 

Moments that made me laugh with joy and moments that made me cry with tears. 

"Beautiful, crisp air"

"Breakfast conversation about Edgar's drivers license"

"Staff in BOP singing Gratitude with no instruments"

"Remy and Rafa work ethic - 'oki doki!'"

"Tiffany shipping Madison's birthday present"

"All Girls Lifeline - Hayden in front row"

"You're your at your best when focused on others"

"Lynlee exit eval - 'Ozark changed my life'"

"Luke Martin from Gru -- > leading worship"

"Kitchen Crew showing up to sat lot to help with trunks."

"Parade at Magic."

An assortment of moments. Such small things... that even while you read them, you probably ask yourself, "Do these really have any relevance or importance??"

Yet, when I am willing to open my ears and open my eyes, I see God in it all. I see that He is working here at camp, through His people and this place. 

Two days ago, I sat on top of the Ping Pong table, talking to one of our returners who wanted to quit... She repeatedly claimed she wanted to leave because "I am not making a difference here..." I challenged her... that seemed like a perspective problem if anything...

I pointed out to the view from the Large Gym and told her, "you can't tell me that God isn't using people here at camp... I see staff being used ALL the time... we may not know it or see it right away, but I promise you... God. Is. Working."

Well, she still left....

But, God is still moving...

With or without us... 

May I choose to be a part of what He is doing!

And may I keep myself from having such a perspective problem... by acknowledging and recognizing all the ways God is using ordinary folks here at camp and surrender in order for Him to use me!

What a gift it is to have all these stories to tell!

May I be quick to give him praise and tell others about Him! Man do I find rest when I remember that none of this is about me... it is all about Him. 

Since the day it was released, I have listened to Phil Wickham's song, Homesick for Heaven, on my way to work. I love the song and it's been so good for me to start off each day with the reminder that we are not made for this broken, temporary earth! We have a forever, perfect home awaiting us!!

"I want to walk with Moses on streets of gold. 
And dance with David before your throne.
To thank you face to face for the grace you've given. 
I want to see my children run into your arms
And worship the Savior who wears my scars.
There's an ache in my heart
I'm homesick for Heaven. 

No more fear, no more pain
Every tear wiped away
Crying Holy, Holy
Every knee on the floor
Every voice evermore
Crying Holy, Holy
Oh I want to go home
To see the ones I love, who've gone before
When death is a memory and tears are no more.
To hear the angels praise, can you even imagine. 

I'll run as fast as I can into your arms.
'Cause I was created to be where you are. 
There's an ache in my heart, 
I'm homesick for Heaven."

Random quotes of encouragement from books this week:

"When what you're doing for God isn't fueled by time with God, you will start to act like you're God."

"My whole life I have been complaining that my work was constantly interrupted, until I discovered the interruptions were my work."

"Think for a moment about all the events and counters that have shaped you most deeply and lastingly. How many did you see coming? How many did you engineer, manufacture, chase down? 

.... And how many were interruptions?"