They Got It!

It took four days and seven messages, but they finally got it. Tonight was one heck of a night. I don’t know if it was the “Last Night of Camp Syndrome” or what, but a lightbulb came on for some of the kids. For others, they decided to quit acting like their problems didn’t matter and face them head on. I don’t think I’ve cried so much in forever. Seeing teenagers broken and raw, aching for God. This is why I do what I do.

I witnessed one of my best kids, my rock, my go-to guy lose it tonight because he can no longer go on pretending that life is great and he can handle what life throws at him. It kills me to see what he is going through.

I saw another kid finally understand and come to terms with his faith. The switch came on, and he sobbed for an hour with this realization. He got it. It makes sense.

Others found their voice. Their purpose. Their passion.

It is safe to say that the kids I left with won’t be the kids I return with. They’ll look the same. Slightly redder. But they will be considerably different on the inside. My prayers have been answered. And yours, too.

My new prayer is that it not fade in the weeks after camp, but continue to burn inside of them. That they take the burden that God has placed in their hearts and put hands and feet and a voice to it. That they not be ordinary any longer.

Last Day!

Tonight is the last night of camp. It’s always a bittersweet time. We have a great time while we’re here, but I’ve never missed my own kids than I do right now. It’s to the point that when I see other people with their kids, I wanna go hold them.

The teens have been great! This has probably been the best group of teens yet. I haven’t had to address any issues. None. That borders on being a miracle. I’ve really enjoyed hanging out with all of them. We went to Bubba Gump yesterday for lunch, and we’ve been to the beach every day. Tonight I’ll cook spaghetti for them, and we’ll celebrate communion after worship.

I have no doubts that their lives have been changed this week. Mine certainly has. My prayer for me and for them is that we bring that change home with us and not leave it here when we depart. These kids have so much potential, they just need to put it to use. We’ll see you guys tomorrow!

Walk on Water

This morning I was reading Matthew 14 during my quiet time. It contains the passage about Jesus walking on water, and Peter wanting to get in on the action. So he gets out of the boat and walks to Jesus. Now, I don’t know if you realize this or not, but this is a MIRACLE. Two to be exact, but who’s counting?

Then, I went for a run on the beach and I noticed something out in the ocean. It appeared to be a guy standing ON the ocean. Not IN the ocean, but On the ocean. Now, stay with me. I’m not under the influence of anything right now. Upon further investigation, it appears he was standing on a surfboard, paddling parallel to the beach, just past the waves. The waves were just enough to hide the board, and it appeared that he was walking on the water! OK, God. You’ve got my attention. I started thinking more about Matthew 14.

This hits me where I live. I want to do great things for God. I want to be extraordinary in the kingdom. But I am still in the boat. The boat is nice. It is comfy. I have a wife and two kids and a mortgage and health insurance and a 401K in the boat. But Jesus isn’t in the boat. He’s out walking on the water.

My prayer is that I have the courage to venture out of the boat. It’s a big, huge, scary prayer. Will you pray it with me?