Camp is over; work week is here. People are slowly leaving - some in clumps, some at random times. There's about 20-25 of us left; ropes techs, lifeguards, wranglers and kitchen workers (i.e. almost all of my friends from this summer). We're having a blast hanging out and getting camp ready for the retreat season.
I'll be back in Tulsa on Sunday at noon. Then I'll be back in Norman Wednesday the 20th. It will be a change.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Declare
On my worst days, I wonder why I'm even a Christian. From my experience being involved in the lives of other people, this is not an uncommon problem.
That's why it's so important to me to keep writing. When things are good, it is important for me to look back and see what has happened when I did know why I was doing things the way I was doing things. Most people call this "journaling." I call it "blogging" because I am "compelled to share things with the world."
The good parts: I don't have to fear repercussions, because a life lived unto God doesn't include me doing things to get into trouble for. Fear doesn't affect me in general, because God is in control and he won't let my life crash. Shame doesn't affect me, because anything I've done is forgiven and finished. My guilt is gone, because I am called to make things right with all those I've hurt. Death doesn't scare me (although I'd prefer to stay here and live for God for as long as I can) and life excites me (it is a grand adventure and I am a happy wanderer). I am continually filled with people who love me, for I love people. I fear no loneliness in general, because God is there even when people (even when Christians) reject me.
I have purpose. I have direction. I have no need to obsessively plan my future, my romances, my jobs, my family, anything. God will provide.
Yes, this world gets hard. But God has overcome the world. I can rest in that.
I have always resented what seem to be incredibly sappy declarations of faith. Reading over my little list, I am pretty much what I resented. I am okay with that - because I feel alive. If it takes looking ridiculous and goofy on paper to live, I'll do it. Because it's real.
woo God. I encourage you to declare. If you have nothing to declare, I encourage you to find God; then you'll have something to declare.
That's why it's so important to me to keep writing. When things are good, it is important for me to look back and see what has happened when I did know why I was doing things the way I was doing things. Most people call this "journaling." I call it "blogging" because I am "compelled to share things with the world."
The good parts: I don't have to fear repercussions, because a life lived unto God doesn't include me doing things to get into trouble for. Fear doesn't affect me in general, because God is in control and he won't let my life crash. Shame doesn't affect me, because anything I've done is forgiven and finished. My guilt is gone, because I am called to make things right with all those I've hurt. Death doesn't scare me (although I'd prefer to stay here and live for God for as long as I can) and life excites me (it is a grand adventure and I am a happy wanderer). I am continually filled with people who love me, for I love people. I fear no loneliness in general, because God is there even when people (even when Christians) reject me.
I have purpose. I have direction. I have no need to obsessively plan my future, my romances, my jobs, my family, anything. God will provide.
Yes, this world gets hard. But God has overcome the world. I can rest in that.
I have always resented what seem to be incredibly sappy declarations of faith. Reading over my little list, I am pretty much what I resented. I am okay with that - because I feel alive. If it takes looking ridiculous and goofy on paper to live, I'll do it. Because it's real.
woo God. I encourage you to declare. If you have nothing to declare, I encourage you to find God; then you'll have something to declare.
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