Last and Loving It

Growing up in America, competition is something that seems to be bred into us. To get a good job, good spouse, good life, we are told we have to climb our way to the top. The survival of the fittest and the weakest link are examples of ideas all around us, pushing Americans forward, to gain success at any cost. Here at Sunset Lake we haven’t escaped this way of thinking, there is evidence of it all around us. Yet in the competitions, we are reminded that there is a power that trumps all without contention.

Meals are inevitably a time for competitive spirits to show. Counselors do their best to keep campers quiet, in hopes that as the letters are passed out for order of eating, they will receive a first slot. One supper, a boy’s counselor was very disappointed as they received a “G”. There was almost a sense of failure as he realized how long it would be until he could pile his plate with Ramon’s delicious food. But while sitting there dejectedly waiting for food, a conversation was sparked. The campers started asking their counselor about his relationship with God and why he believed. After an amazing chance to witness it was suddenly their turn to eat. The counselor realized that if they had gotten their food earlier, the campers might have been too preoccupied with their food to ask him about God. Suddenly, “G” was a perfect letter and the counselor was reminded that some things are more important than eating first.

Nolan Baker, the canoe instructor, is sure to be the next Eric B. Hare. His story telling is superb, his sound affects and creative voices could turn even the dullest story into a great adventure. But Nolan enjoys telling fun exciting stories. While taking his canoeing class on a trip, he decided to fill some time by telling them a story. While they road in the back of the hay wagon, he told of Goldilocks turned Red Riding Hood. He wove a hilarious tale that all the campers we enraptured by; understandably, Nolan was rather proud of his success. The next day however, when Nolan was asked for another story, nothing popped into his head. So, he told the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Even though some knew the story well, every camper was on the edge of their hay bale when the three were thrown into the crackling fire, and there was a simultaneous sigh of relief as they walked out unsinged . At the end of the week, it was the three Hebrew that campers were still talking about instead of the three bears. Nolan was reminded that no creativity or humor can compete with the awesomeness of God.

Competition is something that greatly plagues our day and age. Even within the church there seems to be competition: who shows up at church regularly, who volunteers the most, or donates the most money. But when we take a step back we are reminded that there is something much greater than “winning” here on Earth. Mark 10:31 say, “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” God’s plans far exceed any of our short viewed ideas of winning. At Sunset Lake we are all learning that in God’s plans, sometimes getting “G” is better than an “A.”

Child of God—Energy

As staff at Sunset Lake, we have a mission to change lives and show children God. But often the shoe ends up on the other foot, and it is our lives that are changed. Children, in all their innocence and sincerity, often are some of the brightest examples of God.

                Only kids would excitedly rush to take each other’s trays to the counter. The enthusiasm during recreation period is contagious as giggles echo through the ball field. Kids have a liveliness  to be marveled at.  Though their physical energy is astounding, I wonder at their spiritual energy even more.  Their passion for God, for others, and for life in general is inspiring.

                Last week, during a wakeboarding class, the boat had a problem. Stuck in the middle of the lake, wet and not able to wakeboard, the situation seemed prone to a bout of complaining and unhappy children waiting to be rescued. Quickly, though, it became obvious we had poorly underestimated these kids. There was no crying or murmuring; in fact, there was an extremely optimistic, helpful spirit. Instead of waiting to be towed out, the children volunteered to swim the boat ashore. Their valiant act was greatly appreciated.

                Understandably, I have been moved by the children’s zeal. Watching them run up a hill to get front row seats for worship made me wonder —why we are not the same way at church? Have we lost the excitement for Jesus? Why do we drag our feet when the VBS at our church needs volunteers? How come we have to dutifully schedule in that time for devotions? Why? …I think a big part of it is we have lost that child-like enthusiasm.

                Luke 18:17 says, "Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all." Often we take this text as referring to children’s unquestioning faith and trust, and I believe those are important. Yet, perhaps Jesus was also talking about the passion of children. Their excitement and wonder for Him are qualities I believe as Christians we should all strive for. Working here at Sunset Lake Camp, my life has been touched through the smiling faces of God’s children.

Fabulous First

Hi, my name is Shelina. My exposure to blogging is limited…perhaps that is an understatement. I have rarely read blogs and definitely never written one. “So why did they pick her for this job?” you might be wondering. Well, it’s because Sunset Lake is a place for adventures, growing, and new opportunities. And so I begin my first blog.

The “firsts” of our lives are often moments that shape us forever. From little things, like trying a Paw-Paw fruit, to more significant, like the first time I preached a sermon, new experiences are bright spots in our lives. Sunset Lake is where I first got up on a wakeboard. Within minutes of my triumphant water flight the entire staff knew of my success; how could I not share the thrill? The exhilaration of firsts is irreplaceable.

Adventure Camp was a week of new experiences for staff and campers alike. Caitlin taught her first class of basketry. Michael braved his first week away from home. And thirteen campers left Sunset with a very special first, their first Bible.  

Leading Bible study this week, I was blown away by the excitement of some of the kids. I found that for many children the Bible Study brought firsts. New stories were enthusiastically received, from the fiery furnace to Nehemiah. Friday night the play depicted Paul’s story. Staff had been working hard and planning all week for this special night and with a heavy bout of rain expectations seemed dashed. The play had to be quickly relocated inside, and with the change things did not run as smoothly as had been hoped.

One of God’s first lessons for us at camp happened that night. When the play closed campers were invited to come to the feet of Jesus. Campers flocked to the front kneeling at the cross to give their lives to God. The play had not gone as perfect as planned but God taught us that His Spirit can more than make up for our short comings. Looking around at the sincerely bowed heads I thought of all the firsts that week, first canoe ride, first time riding a horse or climbing a wall… so many firsts. But at that moment I was privileged enough to witness the most important first of all, giving your life to God. It was an incredible beginning to what will be a wonderful summer here, at Sunset Lake.