CAMP: Part VI, Lessons Learned

Part Five - http://www.anotherloveroftheblade.blogspot.com/2012/08/camp-part-v-2012.html

Part Four - http://www.anotherloveroftheblade.blogspot.com/2012/08/camp-part-iv-2011.html

Part Three - http://www.anotherloveroftheblade.blogspot.com/2012/08/camp-part-iii-2010.html

Part Two - http://www.anotherloveroftheblade.blogspot.com/2012/08/camp-part-ii-2009.html

Part One - http://www.anotherloveroftheblade.blogspot.com/2012/07/camp-part-i-2008.html

   I have learned so much from going for a week each summer to Missouri, about God, about me, about others. When I went for the first time, I learned so much, mostly in the way of odd facts, but that led into meeting other people who would become friends that I learned with and from later on. I actually made up a list of things that were new a few months afterward; listing items like "How to play cabbage ball and Ultimate Frisbee, how to throw a Frisbee, that I'm awful at volleyball and ping pong, that even counselors don't always listen to each other, how to (not)  shoot a bow, lightbulb-shattering techniques, and how to make new friends in a short time".
   Also, there was the importance of following directions, and being able to function when out on my own, without my family around for backup. That mandolins are nice-sounding instruments, could that have been part of the reason that I got one a few years later? That if the right motives are there, how wonderful performing can be. New songs like "In Christ Alone", "Prince of Peace", "Isaiah 43", "Hear the Call of the Kingdom", "Give Praise To God", "Conquering Now and Still to Conquer", and "I Will Not Walk Away From You", just to name a few over the years. What worship can be, and if this is a shadow of things to come, how many unfathomable times greater will heaven be?

   The power of the Holy Spirit to convict us of our wayward lives, and to pull us closer to the One who saved us. What a godly life looks like, and instructions on how to live that way. Appreciating the gifts of others, whether that be on the volleyball court or behind the keyboard, how to serve with a proper attitude of thanks to show others the glory of God.
 
   Lesser things like how to play softball or volleyball, how to ask girls to dances(I've never really figured that one out yet...), how to square dance, that all those can be really enjoyable. To work on things as a team whenever possible, that it isn't possible to do everything on your own, sometimes you have to either be quiet and let someone else have their way, or try to compromise or something. How to follow, I guess.

   Another thing I learned there is that I have a horrible sense of direction, haha. That story actually was included in the book of camp legends, which means it'll get passed down over and over...if I'm ever a counselor, that'll be kind of fun to tell about.

   That second year, it was such a haven, a weeklong stay at a safe harbor before re-entering the chaotic storm of stress that was going on with rebuilding the house and everything. "My Presence will be with you, and I will give you rest", the Lord told Moses in Exodus 33:14, and he did for me, too. Deeper relationships grew and new ones started to form, it was restful and enjoyable.

   The friends I've made, it was awesome. There's some great people scattered around the country, and it always kind of amazed me how they could all converge into one space for fellowship and learning. I've observed how to encourage others in their faith,  how to rejoice with others, how to weep with them, too. How to pray, how to care about others, to share joys and struggles.
   So many crazy insane moments of laughter over the years, the dark times, too. It's really good to be able to pray for others when they're having tough times, and know that they'll do the same for you when you need it. Very encouraging.

   That the Lord shows us where we're veering off, and that we need to change, and then that he helps us to do that. When our focus is in the wrong place, he'll take the whole camera away if he has to, in order for us to see the right picture again.

   I've met a lot of people that I consider family, even. It sounds weird to say, but if you ever could see what I'm talking about, it would make sense.

   Learned how to play ping pong. And not just to play it, but how to play it well, and treat it as an art form.
   It's so...it's a great game. A wonderful workout,  and it provides a ton of laughter and great memories. And besides all that, it can be a tool for understanding complicated subjects, or to help guide someone when they need a little help. The general store where you can catch up on the latest news, share your opinions, and get the useful things you need. And it provides such an incredible amount of competetion!!! The tie that binds lives together.

   I found out how to lead my fourth year, how to guide others towards a goal, of winning ballgames and otherwise trying to live the way God has told us to, modeling what that looks like. I know there's people I can count on when I need help with some things, and they'll ask for my advice or help occasionally, too.

   My last year, it wasn't for me. I wasn't for sure why I even went, other than the fact that I had to continue the tradition set before me by the guys I looked up to, that of setting the example for the younger kids. As far as the sports and stuff, it was a very cooperative experience, decisions-made-by-team type of thing. And I couldn't ask for better friends to work with.
   Duty was one of the main topics last summer, and change. Nothing ever stays the same, and that's the way life is supposed to work. One of those things is shifting priorities, different jobs God gives us to accomplish. For one of our camp family, that meant staying home to care for her dying dad. For others, it meant working or taking summer college courses. For others, it was teaching a music class, stepping away from the spotlight, or working on a super-important project with a quick deadline. One of the most important things I took from this year, I think, was to let go of what I knew and give those things to God, instead. There's a quote from C.S. Lewis' book "Prince Caspian", it's amazing.
     "Aslan," said Lucy, "you're bigger."
     "That is because you are older, little one," answered he.
     "Not because you are?"
     "I am not. But every year you grow, you will find Me bigger."
   We saw and felt the Lord move that week, it was unbelievable. His majesty and overruling power, His protection, His strength, and His love.

   So, the question, "Who am I?", I don't know the full answer yet, I probably never will completely. But whatever stab I might make at trying to answer would be impossible without bringing up the Sovereign Grace Youth Camp and what it's done for me, meant to me. I was a self-centered, shy, immature awkward boy when I came, and when I left for the last time, I'm a man; still finding his way along this new journey, unsure most of the time what I'll face next, but knowing that the quest I'm taking is a worthy one, and trying to fight my way through the many dangers and toils and snares, helping others when I can.
   I'm in the opening paragraphs of a new chapter in my life, one that I'm not really enjoying all that well just yet. But I can take the lessons and things I've learned with me as I figure out this life; and God will give me the tools and helpers I need at their appointed time, if I keep Him in view and press on towards the goal.
   Are there some things I wish I could change, wonder what might have been? Sometimes. I imagine that happens to everyone from time to time. Another quote from the same book, from a little later on in the same scene:
     "You mean," said Lucy rather faintly, "that it would have turned out all right - somehow? But how? Please, Aslan! Am I not to know?"
     "To know what would have happened, child?" said Aslan. "No. Nobody is ever told that."
     "Oh dear," said Lucy.
     "But anyone can find out what will happen," said Aslan. "If you go back to the others now, and wake them up; and tell them that you have seen me again; and that you must all get up at once and follow me - what will happen? There is only one way of finding out."