A Week of Camp, Focusing on the Good

Last week there was no post because I was in the woods of Camp Allendale with over forty third and fourth graders. This was my second year volunteering at the camp for our church’s sponsored week. Camp Allendale, located in Trafalgar Indiana, is one my favorite places on earth. As a child I came to know Jesus there and was baptized the Sunday after my first week of camp. My daughters have both attended and my middle daughter was baptized there. Next year my son will be old enough for his first year of “day” camp their and I cannot wait.

God truly blessed me with a great week. I had a good group of 6 girls that did really well. Physically I was tired but able to walk, play games and even jog a little without injury or need for my back or foot braces. It was refreshing for me and for my soul to be able to serve God in such a joyous place.

This year’s camp theme was on Focusing on God. What I took out of that week is a reminder that all good things do come from God and that he calls us to focus on those things. James 1:17 says,”Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” God gives us good gifts and he wants us to focus on them. See Phillippians 4:8 says this, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.”  Focusing on the good God gives us instead of the inconveniences or complaints in our lives makes bearing our pain easier, gives us a better outlook on life and fills us with hope.

I’ve been challenging myself lately not to complain. I realized about two months ago I was complaining alot about my pain levels and it didn’t seem to make much of a difference. So I started setting a goal that I would go all day without complaining. I haven’t made it yet and well, Wednesday of last week when all of us camp leaders were sore from two days of hiking around camp complaints flew. But it didn’t ease the physical pain any, taking Tylenol and resting did. And think about it I was in my favorite place and I wanted to complain, now that just seems silly. One of the leaders chose that night to talk about that exact thing and reminded us of Phillippians 2:14-15 “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you.”

God loves us and gives us good things he wants us to focus on the good things, the mercies in our lives and not complain. That attitude change may be the one thing that helps you enjoy your life regardless of your circumstances. I encourage you today to look for the good things God has provided for you.