Whew! After being away from the world for a week I forgot my password into my account. I was afraid I might not be able to post tonight. But finally, I think I am back on track. Thankfully!
Every year, after a week at Maywood Christian Camp, I come home with mosquito bites above and around my ankles. Also every year, my co-counselor and very good friend gives me a pedicure. So I come home with my toe nails polished. It really does make my feet feel pretty. This is a silly feminine thing, I know. If you know me at all, you know I am not very frilly -- but I do enjoy a good pedicure now and then!
The bites and the painted nails are temporary minor changes in my outward physical appearance. What I come back with on the inside is much more significant. That's because I come home with my head (mind), heart and soul strengthened in love for my God and Christ, my Savior. Being a part of the week at Maywood is a truly spiritual experience and every year it only gets better and better.
2014 is the 50th year of existence for this wonderful camp. A few visionary Christian men saw the need for a camp for young people. It was their dream to have a place children could come to play and to learn about Jesus. The Mays, a wonderful Christian couple, donated the land for this camp. One of the men, E.R. Bruce said, "I can hear the children now - running and laughing."
The work began. Trees were felled and land was cleared. After many hours of hard physical labor Maywood Christian Camp opened for the first time. Fifty years later, it is going stronger than ever. Most of those hard working, God fearing men have gone on to their reward. But their legacy lives on. Yes, Brother Bruce - I hope you still hear those children running and playing on the hills of Maywood!
Fifty years ago, dreams came true. Fifty years ago those woods heard children sing praises to God. Bible classes were held and the truth was taught. Lives were changed.
Marriage proposals have taken place at Maywood. Wedding ceremonies have been held there. Christian families started ... more children to be raised to follow the Heavenly Father.
Maywood has seen fifty years worth of baptisms and restorations to God's family. It has heard 50 years worth of lessons taught by Christian men who love and believe in our youth. One of our directors from last week, was blessed to attend Maywood as a child 50 years ago. He is still passing the torch, and fanning the flame of love for God and for Maywood.
As a child, I attended this camp under the directorship of the aforementioned E.R. Bruce. He used to say that Maywood was the center of the universe because you could go anywhere from there. He was right. I know people who have attended Maywood that have gone on mission trips to many parts of the world. Do they talk about camp while on those trips? Probably not -- but the love they have for their Lord was strengthened there and that is what they take with them. Most of them face much more than a few bug bites while they are gone off to strange lands to teach God's word.
So when I come to my earthly home after a week at Maywood, I bring back a lot more than mosquito bites and evidence of a pedicure. I bring back a deeper love for my Lord, a greater sense of wonder at how God works in our lives, a deeper respect for all those who laid the groundwork for what I now enjoy one week a year. I bring back a joyous appreciation of the dedication and faithfulness of those who come and work in the here and now. I bring back a stronger sense of responsibility to my Lord and Savior, and a greater love for young people.
When I come back from Maywood, I bring back more patience after having lived with 12 or 13 other people in one cabin for a week. I bring back thankfulness for the parents who entrust their sweet children to us for that time. I remember that every child, EVERY child is a gift from God. I bring back the realization that these young people can and do teach me as much as I could ever teach them. I bring back a deeper understanding of God's word.
After a week at Maywood Christian Camp, I come back physically exhausted but spiritually rejuvenated. I come back praying that if I live through another year, the Lord will allow me the opportunity to go back to Maywood again!
I come back to my earthly home thankful to the Father that I was able in some small way to serve Him this past week.
This year I came back with a stronger realization than ever before that this world is not my home -- I really am "just passin' through." And I know that until He calls me home -- serving Him is what it's all about. I don't want to forget that. Although, I will stumble and fall sometimes, I pray I'll get right back up again.
Christ above all things,
Robin
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