“I want to go home!”
“There are so many activities to do. Look at your friends, they’re having fun.”
“I don’t care. I want to go home!!!!” I was so angry I picked up the Pastor’s hand and bit it. I knew it was the only way. Violence is never tolerated at camp.
Three hours later, my mom walked up the rocky path to the cabin.
I was ten. It was summer church camp … gone bad. I promised myself I would never go again.
I held true to that promise. Well, until two weeks ago. My daughter wanted to go to our church’s summer camp. As soon as she asked, I had a flashback from my childhood experience. Fear and anxiety set in. So, what’s a mom to do? I signed up to be a camp counselor. As moms, we do things we never thought we’d do, right?
As the days led up to camp, I couldn’t sleep. I held on to this verse:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” Isaiah 43:18
I’m going to be honest, day one was overwhelming. Seven sweet girls, new personalities to learn and camp tours. Then, Mud. Games. Y’all. So much fun, but to get back to our cabin — we had a long hike in the dark, and we were still covered in mud. When we finally got back, we sprayed down with the outdoor hose so we wouldn’t get mud on our suitcases. Then, seven showers before I could shower. Oh my. I finally got to bed around 2a. But, I still couldn’t sleep because I had so much anxiety!!
The next morning, a sweet friend gave me a hug. The dam broke, and I could not stop crying. I don’t know exactly what she said, but it was like God wrapping His arms around me. It was a turning point. God sent someone just when I needed it! I love His perfect timing.
For the next three days, we had a blast! We studied the book of Esther, rocked it out in worship, swung from a rope into the lake, and did the 50-ft zip-line. No anxiety. No fear. No worries. It ended up being one of the best weeks of my life. I’m already planning for next year!
Whatever fear is a result of your past, let it go. God is waiting for you to step out of your comfort zone so He can take you to a whole new level!
Before camp, it was about me. Now, it’s about God.
What are your fears from past experiences? How can you let go and trust God to overcome them?
