Dear...

Dear Summer,

Thank you.

Dear Summer,

You are ridiculously hot. In these mountains, the rain falls every day at 3 and swimming class has to have fourteen rainy day plans. And then the sun comes out and makes us all feel like we were wrapped in plastic wrap. And then we spend from 8 in the morning to 9 at night, largely outside. Crazy right? You know what's crazier? We love it. 

My heart is literally hurting from an overflow of love. Love for the camp, love for the job, love for the people, love for the work, love for the precious gift of summers. Each summer more devoted than the next.

Why have I been given enough Grace to be here? To know these hundreds of precious souls. Children of God. Intricately designed and beautifully made.

What kind of place makes leaders out of the meek, makes heros out of the wallflowers, and turns respectable young adults into tight wearing, song screaming, face painting, wing flapping, spirit filled wackos?

We were there. We were overflowing.

I was there. My cup was running over.

I am leaving, but its spilling into me. 

I take away hundreds of new relationships.

I take away approximately ten thousand, seven hundred and thirty two reasons why I should never stop smiling.

I take away a hurt for their hurt.

I take away joy for their joy.

I take away intense pride for the lives I've watched grow up.

I take away fervent love for the lives I've known.

I would quickly die, so they could live. 

God help me live, so more don't die.

Dear Summer,

You inspire my year.

Challenge me to work harder, to be fitter so I can serve more. 

Challenge me to love and give more, so I can overflow God.

Challenge me to seek out friends that hold me up and keep me accountable.

Challenge me to pursue God. Because that is my reason for life.

Dear Summer,

You are really just a season. You fade into Autumn and Autumn into Winter. There is nothing special about you. 

What's special is the season of life. 

What's even more special is the giver of life. I replace your name with His. 

Dear God,

Thank you.