Winter, cabins, 2” mattresses, bunk beds, walking outside to get to restrooms and showers, two nights of their weekend, camp food, and investing in our Jr. High youth…” sure, sign me up!” The chaperones who went on the Confirmation retreat at Camp HopeWood Pines (Lutheran Memorial Camp outside of Columbus) would probably self-describe as no longer being “spring chickens,” yet, they were willing to go outside of their comfort zone to hang out with 13- and 14-year-olds for the weekend. Quite the example of our weekend theme of “Love to Serve” and looking for the gifts we have been given by God’s love and how we use those gifts to love God and our neighbor.
I think all of us would say that we were blessed by the weekend even considering the conditions. Finding comradery with each other, other youth groups, camp staff, and most importantly interacting with our hope for the future, these teens. They also put themselves out there by meeting new people, trying different things, public speaking and acting, singing, and the list goes on. They put their faith in action. Trusting that they were in a safe space with people that only wanted the best for them.
Throughout our lives, we tend to compare ourselves to others. We measure as we think someone is more social, a better musician, or athlete, or reader, or more organized. I wish the comparison game could end because we all have our unique gifts and we can be stronger together. Sometimes it takes a while to find them and can certainly be a process. That’s the beauty of our community, as we learn together and support each other. Sometimes, our neighbor can see the gifts that we haven’t come to realize.
As I write this on the snow day for many schools, it reminds me of growing up and our snow days. From the upstairs window of our house, we could see the top floor of the elementary school. On days there was snow, we would all rush to that window when we got up to see if the lights were on. If there were no lights, it was at the very least a delay and cause for celebration. What sign are you looking for to say, “Yes”? Yes, to explore your gifts and talents to serve our neighbors, community, and beyond. Yes, to discover your special way to serve or to take a brave step.
At the retreat, we discussed the story of Jesus Feeding the 5000 (actually, thousands more because they only counted the men). John 6:9 says, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they among so many people?” How can something so small have that kind of ripple effect? God has shown us countless examples of how one seemingly insignificant gift can affect many. There are some that do have big talents and gifts to share but the small ones can matter just as much.
As we discover our talents and ways to serve, we trust that God will continue to equip and guide us and give us joy in the serving. Let’s continue to say, “yes” together.
God’s peace always,
Angie Seiller