Luke 18:15-17
The Message (MSG)
15-17 People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. “Let these children alone. Don’t get between them and me. These children are the kingdom’s pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.”
Last week I had the opportunity to serve at Ganderbrook Christian Camp in Raymond, Maine. My wife Pat volunteers every year to cook in the kitchen during the week that our daughter is there, while I stay home and work at my job. This year I was able to join Pat and her team. Boy, did I work hard. We started around 6AM and finished around 8PM everyday.
In the beginning of the week as I was sweating over a hot grill in a 95 degree kitchen, I kept thinking of how we were blessing the children by cooking them 3 great meals everyday. In my mind, the team and I were blessing the children in a small way, while the staff and counselors were doing the major blessing with teaching, singing, & praying.
By the end of the week, I realized that it was me that was being blessed. I was blessed by the kitchen crew (Pat, Leland, Linda, Karen & Lynn). We worked together like a well oiled machine. We supported each other, we got along despite the unbearable heat. I was blessed by the staff of the camp. Just seeing the heart that they had for the children, blessed me.
But most of all, I was blessed by the children. I don't know where most of the kids are from...I don't know what their home life is like, but I saw Jesus in these children! I received more high fives, fist bumps, "call outs" (it's a clapping ovation) and hugs than I have in my previous 55 years on this earth.
I was truly Blessed !
Thank you Lord for the opportunity to serve !
Joe (sign me up for next year)
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