Connectedness

I haven't been here in awhile and yet there is a pull to return and so today is the day! I guess I write for my own well being and the ability to hold on to the good more than anything else.


Yesterday we drove to Camp Hopetown ( Daystar Counseling Ministry's summer camp) to celebrate the week Emma had had at camp. Let me just say that Camp Hopetown is just that; a place of God's hope and security.  As we boarded the shuttle I began chatting with the counselor and when we found out we were Emma's parents his immediate response was "ahh.." We gently laughed but he stopped us saying: "She is so loyal.You do not see that it girls her age."  Loyal...that is a great word for Emma because she does love with a depth that others do not and she wants desperately for others to be loyal to her.  


As we arrived at Camp she was actually standing there waiting and watching for us.  It was a priceless moment because in the years past she has not been waiting for us.  She did not see us until we got off the van!

This summer's theme is "Fruit of the Spirit'.  Emma immediately took us inside to tell us about the 'fruits' she had received during Spirit Line.  One night they gathered together and everyone made a line and had to literally cheer on the person that wasn't included in the line.  E's peers chose joy, kindness and faithfulness to describe her.  It was as though she was beaming from having those words thrust upon her.  


Camp Hopetown always ends in a time of worship and a time of celebrating each individual child. Three years ago I had no idea that a counselor would be honoring our child in such a special way and I cried the entire way through.  This time I knew it was coming and was still stunned at the things that were proclaimed about our sweet Emma.  My heart was already full because several adults had come to us to really share some of the attributes that Emma had brought to the week.  As E's buddy stood her up and began to speak directly to Emma it was clear that E had made an impact.  The counselor ended her words to Emma by praying that she would never forget the peace that God has given to her this week.  


I guess I'm writing to simply remember the good.  


It all makes me wonder what fruit I am producing for God's glory.  


I am writing because I want to remember to be the 'Spirit Line' for those who have not found their place. I want to be the one that finds the good in someone else and proclaims that for them. 


I want to an example of loyalty for E as she walks through this world.  

Thank you Holy One for allowing us to connect to you! Thank you for producing fruit in us even we are not aware.  Thank you for being the Spirit Line of encouragement for us when the world seems so dark.  Thank you for words of anointing spoken over children.