the joy of the Lord is your strength

Have been growing a lot at camp, I think. There were a couple of things that I was expecting, and simultaneously not expecting.

1) not expecting to be positively spiritually stretched

I knew that camp was going to be difficult spiritually, but I thought it would be more in the desert-sense. As in, feeling far away from the Lord and doing that spiritual water treading where you don't feel like you're making any forward progress, you're not exactly sinking, but if something doesn't happen either way then houston-we're-going-to-have-a-problem. Instead, I've actually been using what I learned in all of my classes this year, writing Sunday school lessons for the girls each week.

Four words:

Dang! This is hard!

As is speaking in front of people. Wanting to have something to say that's biblical, relevant, funny, educational, as well as concise and thought provoking- it actually feels like rocket science. I have a new appreciation for Pastors and teachers, Sunday school leaders, and anyone that's ever stood before me with their Bible open and said, "This is what the Word says."

2) expecting to be lonely

Quite the contrary. I work with the most hysterical people- we laugh. We laugh and laugh and laugh. I've been on the receiving end of encouragement more times than I think I've been on the giving end. New friendships have been born, old friendships have been strengthened. I think too, that my perceptions of what it is to be lonely has changed- I think I'm becoming more introverted. I love quiet moments- driving my car without the radio on, sitting on the dining hall porch during rest hour reading, journaling, praying- simply being. It's sweet.

3) not expecting to meet the man of my dreams

well. that actually hasn't happened, so at least some things are par for the course.

the name of the game for this (short) season is joy.

thanks for praying.