As I promised on my last post, I am sharing my middle school retreat experience with you. I hope you will have a great laugh with me.
My last summer camp was when I was 17 years old (I believe) and it was on a nice beach in the Philippines. I was young and did not care where I slept as long as I could spend time with my friends. I realized that at 42, I have morphed into a creature of comfort. Just keep that in mind as you read the rest of the story.
We were sent a list of what to bring to the fall retreat. I packed everything they listed and checked it twice like Santa (sleeping bag, clothes, towels, shoes, and more clothes) except for the most important thing – CANDIES!!! 1st major mistake of this fall camp. I did not have anything to bribe the kids with and more importantly, my son did not have anything to share with new friends. Candies, chips, and more candies go a long way in camp. My saving grace was that our team found two boxes of candies during a “crate” hunt.
I did mention that I am a full time working mom so I spend my days in front of my laptop, on conference calls, and meetings and more meetings. I listen to the news on public radio because it is convenient. I read my news online when I have time. My kids tell me what’s going on but I am only listening half the time because my mind is on another task at hand. I have no idea about what is popular these days except on what I see on Facebook since I don’t have any other social media account. I hope I am not the only one like this. So here goes my 2nd major fail – I had no idea about those you-tubers that they were talking about or the popular singers or actors. No clue whatsoever!!! The girls were looking at me like I was suddenly like their grandma. Yes, I felt older than dirt.
I was dying inside with mirth. It was a breath of fresh air to see that with these kids, it did not matter what title you have or what your station in life is (whether you’re rich or poor). I was just another boring adult that did not know how to have fun or know the fun stuff in life. The things that we care so much about or worry about do not matter to them.
Since every story has to have a rule of three to make it compelling, here’s my 3rd major fail – breakfast! Why did I think that camp breakfast is like a hotel’s free breakfast bar? So, on Saturday morning I woke up early so I could take a walk and see the sun rise because I never get a chance to just enjoy the beginning of the day. I walked for an hour and took pictures (see below). Just imagine that and my hunger. Yes, I did think that there was going to be a hot buffet of eggs, bacon, and fruits. Yes, there were apples and oranges alright. Main entrée was pop tarts or granola bar. I burst out laughing. I am not complaining ok. I would have gladly eaten the granola bar but I have nut allergies so no can do. Pop Tarts have a new meaning to my life now.
My morning view of this breathtaking place
Working with these kids has revived in me the passion that I used to have. They worship passionately and pursue God unpretentiously with all their heart and soul. Man, what would it take for us adults to be like this? Just imagine the roar of revival echoing around us and within us. No wonder these kids think that being an adult is boring.
I guess what I am trying to share with you is that it is never too late. There are a lot of new things to discover so don’t be afraid to say yes to a new adventure. Go out and spread your wings. Be in the Zone! Be prepared for the unexpected because that’s when you will gain your pearl of wisdom or your humbling experience. Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself for the silly stuff. Don’t sweat at the small stuff. It will all be fine in the end.
One of the things I prayed about was that God would give me a message that would resonate and jumpstart my heart. He did by way of Exodus 33. Even Moses had his moment of doubt even after all the miracles God has performed through him. In spite of it all, God was patient and faithful. He gave Moses this promise on verse 14 “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Are you ready to start this journey with me? I would love to hear from you. I want to know that I am not the only one in this journey.
Vian Wheatley 