Camp at the Freedom Center

Friends

 I think I've touched on the fact that, at age 41, I'm finally getting to the heart of what it means to feel loved by God. Grace may be the hardest concept for the human heart to grasp, especially in our worker bee society. We are constantly evaluated by our performance at school, at church, at work...

Lessons in Archery

 The Freedom Center is an apt name for the epicenter of our experience this week. It's a freedom in Christ that we embrace as we lead our little ones toward His grace and forgiveness... as we invite them to enjoy the gifts in His creative work in this world all around us. We knew only the Baldwins and the matriarch of the Gossage family when we started out this week, but only an hour into day one, it felt as if we were at home with our family. And we were.

Archery

The Lord works on our hearts in such unique and creative ways. His timing is different for us all. Each of us was there to minister to each other, to extend and receive grace and to bask in the glory of the handiwork of the Master. As I spoke to and observed each child and adult, I imagined the hidden happenings in their lives. I watched each Mama struggle with her own need to control, and I grappled with mine. Ultimately, it was all offered up to His Sovereign Plan. We each had millions of little opportunities to get over ourselves in the heat and bugs and craziness of chasing little ones all over the wilderness. 

The creativity displayed in each mind and body there was so interesting to observe. Each Mama and helper there gave each other the grace and freedom to take on the role specific to their God-given gift;  photography... canoeing... archery... games... teaching... the organization of people... the organization of stuff... the integration of groups... even the quiet gift of standing in the shadows until little needs arose that went unnoticed by others. Grace was extended in the midst of mistakes and misunderstanding. As children of God, there's comfort in the reality that everyone has a role to play and we all have feet of clay. No matter how small or large, it's all important. No one gets their nose out of joint. Everyone wants to put the other first. No one takes offense. It's all for this much bigger Thing... His ultimate Glory.

Study of Ancient Culture - Mummies

Mummy Growls - Arrrrrrrggggg

And that's what it's coming to. When you feel loved, it's a lot easier to extend love. When you feel loved, it's a lot harder to say an unlovely thing. When you know you were made for a purpose, that your existence will serve a greater good if you allow it, then it really doesn't matter what anyone thinks. Your gifts and talents begin to serve your desires, and in the middle of all that, you wind up serving the One who loves you like crazy. He wants to fulfill, not only your need, but also the deepest desire of your heart.