Every Moment Matters

Last month we held our annual Youth Crossing Summer Camp. Summer Camp is a great opportunity for hundreds of middle school and high school students to gather together and enjoy popular summer activities while at the same time experience God in a deeper, more personal way. Whether young or old, student or leader, there is always a message or moment for each one of us during summer camp. The challenge is embracing and appreciating those moments.

This year’s theme was “Every Moment Matters”. In a hectic, fast-paced world filled with endless duties, obligations and responsibilities, it’s challenging to embrace the concept that “every moment matters”, much less appreciate them. Can that really be true? Does every moment really matter? Moments.

As I’ve grown older and learned to appreciate the value of time, I’ve learned to embrace the important truth that each day, each hour, each moment really does matter and that it is up to me to embrace and appreciate those moments - even when things don’t go exactly as planned, like being asked to lead a new small group at camp. This year at summer camp I had the opportunity to lead a group of 7th grade boys instead of my normal group of junior-senior boys. As you can probably imagine, there is a subtle difference between 7th graders and seniors. Or should I say dramatic difference? As I reflected on previous seasons spent with 7th grade boys, I remembered them being “prone to distractions, mischievous, and skilled in the art of testing of one’s patience.” But were 7th grade boys still the same? Or had they possibly evolved and matured since my previous encounters with them? Moments.

What I discovered at this year’s summer camp is that 7th grade boys are still in fact “prone to distractions, mischievous, and skilled in the art of testing of one’s patience.” Can somebody call the prayer team? How was I going to embrace this year’s theme at camp while still leading a group of mischievous 7th graders? Fortunately, while 7th grade boys are mischievous and love to get into things, I discovered they are also capable of more than mischief and capable of more than merely reinforcing the 7th grade stereotypes they have zealously earned and defended over the years. During summer camp, I discovered my 7th grade boys were respectful of rules, property and other visitors at camp, they bonded closely as a group, and they bonded closely with me as a leader. I also discovered my 7th grade boys worshiped passionately during church service, asked great questions in small group, and prayed open, honest prayers with each other. Moments.

As far as "testing one's patience" goes, well, I learned that one is on me. As I’ve grown older, I've steadily prayed for more patience in life. The kind of patience that comes from realizing both the patience and mercy extended to me in life. Fortunately, I’ve discovered God is faithful to honor prayer requests like mine. Faithful to give me opportunities to practice the patience I both want and need. So while my patience may have been tested several times during camp, I can honestly say my patience wasn't taxed during summer camp and I consider that a reassuring answer to prayer. Moments.

All that to say, what initially appeared like a challenge or disappointment at the start of camp actually turned out to be a blessing. Not only did I have a great time leading my 7th grade boys, but I also got to connect, hear stories and vicariously enjoy the camp experiences of my normal junior-senior boys. The best of both worlds. Plus, I now know half a dozen 7th grade boys "by name" that I didn't know before camp. Half a dozen 7th grade boys I’ll be able to “high 5” and greet “by name” each time we gather for Youth Group during the regular semester. Moments.

Summer camp may be over, but the opportunities to notice God at work in my life continue. Continue on a daily, hourly, moment-by-moment basis. As the year winds down, my hope and prayer is that you notice those moments when God is at work in your life. Wooing you to Himself. Calling you to a very real and personal relationship with the Him. Embrace and appreciate as many of these moments as possible, they really do matter. Some eternally!

Love God and love people!