Volume 140: Rest in "Thank you for Everything"

Friday, August 8th, had finally arrived!!! The last day of Summer 2025!!!

I was quite tired, ready for some much needed rest and there was just oneee moreeee Closing Day ceremony until freedom cameee. 

Yet, as I looked around cabin row and the store, my focus quickly shifted from anticipating time off to taking in the appreciation that was all around me. 

I saw counselors carrying kids bags to the trailers. 

I saw Silas hugging every staff member in sight. 

I saw kids hugging their counselors and new friends. 

I saw Bailey getting flowers up on stage! (you know she loved that!)

I heard a kid responding to my comment about his butterfinger ice cream, "Guess what!? I didn't have any money but my counselor got it for me!" And he walked away smiling.

I heard the sponsor sharing with her coworker that one of their girls had been crying and saying she didn't want to leave. The recipient of this update was shocked that the camper ended up loving it so much!

I heard the campers, on their way to the buses, walking across the rocky parking lot, yell out to Bailey, "Thanks for everything, Bailey!!!" 

"Thanks for everything."

As I said goodbye to our wonderful staff, most of who had been with us since May 1st, they all ended the hug with "thanks for everything!"

As I said goodbye to Katie and Ali and Bailey and Debbie, the only words I could think to say were "thanks for everything!" 

I thought back to the moment after the Staff banquet video in the Small Gym. I stood up on the road and just looked on to a room full of all our staff crying and hugging one another, so sad to leave this second family they had come to love. I'm sure most speaking to one another, "thanks for everything!"

I loaded my car and went on my way, driving the windy roads of the Texas hill country, and tears came to my eyes as I thought of the beauty of gratitude. 

That at the end of a wonderful chapter, the default becomes gratitude. No matter the ups and the downs, it's easier to give thanks! 

So many things to be thankful for. Yet so often we get caught up in our small frustrations or complaints, losing sight of how good we have it in the moment. May I have more appreciation throughout the season, not just at the end.

"Thank you for everything."

The words spoken with tight, tearful hugs. 

I imagine the moment I get to Heaven, and attempt to say those words to Jesus, but they still won't feel like enough...  

But for now, I do my best and give gratitude to the one who is worthy of it all! 

Thank you for everything, Jesus! 

For a SAFE summer with over 7,700 kids coming through the gates! 

For amazing staff who served so selflessly this summer! 

For wonderful coworkers to do this work with! 

For your love and grace and equipping us with all we need to do the work you set before us!

I am grateful for PLAY! 

There we were, standing on the rail and watching the OTX P-Staff go down the slide, and Ali stated "Man, this is the best. The music. Adults doing kid things. It doesn't get better than this!"

And not but three minutes later, Ali herself went and put on a lifejacket, alongside her best friend, Katie, and down the Big Tex they went!!! 

Child-like play! There's no better source of joy!! Amen!

I also played, don't worry... Blobbing with SCOTT!

I am grateful for lasting legacies!

We were all standing outside, in the SCORCHING Texas heat, watching the campers come running down to enjoy their last Stampede at OFA. 

With the kids mainly still in front of us, I noticed Bailey looking back, towards the office porch, with a smile on her face. Interested in what she was looking at, I turned back to see Debbie talking with one of the younger campers. 

A sight that is often seen during the summer. But in Bailey's smile stretched across her face, I thought about what a great example she's had from getting to watch her Mom serve at camp her whole life. 

Throughout that last Stampede, I roamed around with Bailey and what did she do? 

Talked to just about every camper we passed. Asking how they were doing, what activities they were trying, and seeing if they needed anything. 

A beautiful full circle eh! So here's to Bailey - for her AMAZING work of OFA and her heart behind it. But also here's to Debbie - for showing us how to lead, year after year after year, still focused on what matters and taking the time to love on the campers and staff!

Over and out, Summer 2025. FINISHED! 

But also, I would like to say PROPS to the oldest boy campers who climb this wall because it is taller than it looks. Go Caddo.