So, we’re almost done week four of camp. My store girls are in their last week and I get ten new volunteers on Saturday. It’s super crazy to think that we are already halfway done with summer! I can’t believe it! I know these last four weeks are going to stretch and test me, but, I am thankful that God has me here. I need the stretch.

I love River Valley Ranch, I’ve worked here for five years now. I always kept coming back because I loved the people, the work was fun, and the fellowship was great. But, last night, I realized why I’ve been doing this. For the campers. I don’t work with them directly, but, the things we (summer staff) do behind the scenes help camp run smoother, make life easier on the counselors, and help the campers have more fun. All this clicked to me last night.

The campers have rallies every night, they sing, dance, and hear a message from whoever the speaker is that week. Before they go into the rally, they all meet in a big field and have pre-show. Summer staff, which I am a part of, is responsible for running pre-show. On Wednesdays, we pick a camper from each individual camp and ask them how their week is going, what their favorite part was, and what they’ve learned. Hearing what these six kids learned about God lit up my evening. It was beautiful the things they were learning about our Creator.  After pre-show I went into the rally and stayed for the worship. I saw all the campers lift up their hands and stand together, praising the Father. Then I thought to myself, this is why I’ve been here so long.

I needed that reminder of why I’m here this summer.

That sight, those campers, whole-heartedly worshiping, will be what carries me through the summer.

My prayer for this week is to stay focused on what I’m doing and why I’m here.