My dad always taught me that if you borrowed something or took something...always bring it back in the same condition you took it. When we left on Monday I encouraged you to say goodbye to your children and I said, "I promise to bring them back."
Tomorrow I will bring them back, and oh, the stories they will tell. Stories of Wet Willie, and snow cones...of scorpions and shaving cream fights.
At worship with the senior high two young men now preachers lead the group in communion. One I have known a short time but the other I rocked as an infant. It was one of those moments that brought me to my knees. I wondered how does one journey from elementary camper to serving communion?
It happens because when we experience God along the journey...meeting him at camp, and church...home and school we are changed. Sometimes a little...sometimes a lot.
Tomorrow I will not be bringing these sweeties back in the same condition they came here in. You see I believe that they are changed. You might notice it right away or you may not recognize it yet. It could take years...but the preacher who placed the bread in my hand...is a living symbol of God's grace and love. A week at camp has put us right in the middle of that same grace and love. And I know we will not be the same...we've been changed.
Lights Out...
