Anticipating Family Camp

Ken and I are going to go to Family (Bible) camp at Inspiration Point Camp this weekend. I think this is our eleventh year in a row, and we have always brought grandchildren along with us. Kayla (our granddaughter) was 3 the first time we attended camp. She hasn't missed a year; this year, she is 13 and coming with us again. Alex, who is 12, is coming, too. Marcus just turned 19, and I guess he has decided he's too old to come with us anymore. I'll miss him; it will be a little quiet. (Marcus always kept things lively!) I hope Ellie, Isaiah, and Sophia can join us next year. (Might need a mom along with that many, though.)

Family camp is just a few short days out of the year—a Thursday night until Sunday noon, always (for us) around the 4^th of July. It goes fast. But I remember once when I was thinking about what some of my favorite days (of my life) might be, I realized some of my much loved days have been spent at Family camp. Those times really are memories I treasure and always will. So many memories...

Kayla was young..I think it was our first year at Inspiration Point (we stayed in a tent, much to the chagrin of Ken—no more tents after that). Each year the camp has what they call the Christ Hike. The Christ Hike takes place in the evening, and camp staff members dress up and act out highlights from the time of Jesus' ministry, beginning with his baptism (that takes place in the lake) and ending with his death on the cross and finally, his resurrection. Campers and others who attend (the public is invited)--perhaps around a couple of hundred of us--follow Jesus and his disciples and other members of the cast around the camp, as they act out various scenes as depicted in the Bible--the miracle of feeding thousands with a little bread and fish; Jesus saving the adulterous woman (always makes me cry), Jesus in the garden and before Pilate, etc. We even participate, as at one point, we become the crowd calling "Hosanna" and waving palm branches as Jesus approaches. And, a little later, as he stands before Pilate, we are the crowd calling, "Crucify him!"

At the end of the Christ Hike, after the resurrection, it becomes very quiet as a camp leader speaks about the precious gift of salvation Jesus gave us when he sacrificed his life for us. I remember well holding Kayla that night so long ago--the evening was so still and she was so small and lovely with her dark hair and eyes. It was during one of the quiet times, while the speaker had paused so we could think about what she was saying, that little Kayla spoke out so clearly that nearly everyone heard, "Wasn't that nice of him?"

She was speaking of what Jesus did--and she was only three years old.

"From the lips of children and infants, you, Lord,
have called forth your praise." (Matthew 21:13)

 Feeling very blessed...