Chapel Camp 2018
Whatever is done in love is done in the best and most excellent way.
Super duper thankful for all the experiences and the valuable time set aside to spend with God and with family.
My heart really feels very very very full. I didn't have any super-emotional spiritual encounter and I can't identify one particular significant moment during the camp, but I just feel so warm inside when I think about all that God has done, has taught me, and has blessed me and our church with.
We had thanksgiving and reflection this morning (last day), and Pastor asked if I wanted to take the mic. Although I did have things I wanted to share, I decided not to as a lot of what I wanted to say had already been said by other church members including my peers. Things like the privilege of service, the importance of community, the love I have for our church family, how forgiveness and grace is needed... And I was thankful that messages like these that I hold dear to my heart were also dear to others, and that it resonates within our community :)
I really love our family - we have good and bad moments. At times we laugh together in pure joy, but other times we get annoyed, we bicker, we grumble... But love means we don't give up on one another, even if it means letting things go, giving the benefit of the doubt, or just forgiving over and over again, even 70 x 7 times.
Prior to the camp I was feeling a bit down and tired because of all the stuff that needed to be done - I found myself involved with many aspects of the camp; from publicity and games, to worship and the missions outreach, and to be honest, at some points I felt a bit used. Naturally I felt disgruntled and dissatisfied with the whole situation. But thank God for His word in season - was reminded last week, about Jesus washing His disciples' feet + Paul's command to his readers about not growing weary of doing good to everyone.
Service is such a privilege, and to love God and His people is the very very very least we can do in response to a great God who has given us so much. Jesus himself didn't have to do anything for us, yet He came down and made himself a servant, with no complaint and no grumbling. And he suffered way way way more than I can ever say I have.
This morning, listening to my family share about how God has touched their lives warmed my heart greatly. Hearing stories about God's goodness, the warmth and authenticity of the community, the encouragement received from watching each other grow ... and I thought "This is what it's all about. This is why I serve."
This is my glimpse of Heaven.
