This summer I spent two months away from home to work as a camp counselor – it was the longest I’ve ever been away and I loved it. I was out in the country surrounded by woods, (and bugs), a big lake, lots of sunshine, and an amazing group of people that became like family. Best yet, I got to sit under the preaching of God’s Word almost every single day. Talk about some major conviction taking place! I grew a lot this summer and I know I can’t share everything… but in this post I want to share with you some things that I learned this summer… things about God and about life.
What I Learned This Summer (About God & Life)
1. God is Always With Me
Being away from home and family wasn’t a problem for me, however, in the first few weeks of my summer I realized more fully that God was there for me. Without the usual support of home and family, God was the One I had to turn to. I learned to recognize that He was present with me wherever I went.
2. God Will Always Give Me What I Need
One Saturday night of was sitting on porch of my cabin writing in my prayer journal. During that time I specifically asked God to give me peace and strength. Peace to calm my nerves, and strength for the summer. Within minutes I opened my Bible and came across Psalm 29:11: “The LORD will give strength unto his people, the LORD will bless his people with peace.” That night I knew God had brought that verse to my attention… and He wanted me to know He already knew what I needed and could be trusted to supply my needs at just the right time.
3. God’s Word is My Source of Strength
There were many times I felt tired, unsure of myself, or just plain weary. I remember so many times of turning to the Scriptures and finding strength from God’s Word. His Word truly is a source of strength.
4. There is so much more out there
There is so much more to this world than my little self-focused existence here at home. There are so many great people to meet, friendships to establish, and most importantly: things to do to further God’s kingdom. I can’t wait for more opportunities to serve and expand my horizons. I’m excited for all the things God has planned for me in the future.
5. Prayer Creates a Bond
Praying with others has a way of bonding your heart with their’s. From prayers over the phone, to prayers at 1:00 o’clock in the morning… those moments spent in prayer with others were so special.
6. There is so much to learn from other people
Other people can teach us so much! This summer I had countless chats with others that helped me grow. From heart-to-heart chats to casual conversations to deep discussions… I learned so much from the people around me.
7. I Have so much work to do (on myself…. with God’s help)
In many ways, camp brought out the worst in me. Pride, selfishness, immaturity, and long list of other things. God revealed quite a lot of issues in my heart, life, and character that needs to be changed. I’m a work in progress but I know, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13).
This is just a sampling of what I learned this summer. There is so much more I could share, but I don’t even know how to put all of it into words! One thing that stands out in my mid right this moment is that we never realize how much we are learning and growing in the present until we look back and reflect. So many days I was tired and dragging… and there were moments I wished the summer would come to an end. But now? I see how great of an experience it really was, and how much God did in my life and wants to continue doing.
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
How about you?
What have you learned this summer about God and/or about life?
“Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart…” Deuteronomy 4:9a
My biggest thing this summer has been realizing that there are a lot of things in life that will be hard and not my “cup of tea”, but it’s coming to place that it’s not about me. Everything in our life should be a reflection of Christ through us!
Thank you for the reminder to serve the Lord 🙂
Thank you for sharing, Olivia 🙂
I’m so glad you had such a good time! I was praying for you all summer, that you would learn and grow, so hearing that you have is such a blessing! This has definitely been a summer of learning and growing for me as well!
Thank you so much for praying… that means a lot 🙂
I went to camp this summer, too! (only as a camper, and not a counselor 🙂 I’m so happy you got to have that experience! Next year I’ll be able to counsel, and I’m so looking forward to it.
One night at camp, we all went stargazing, and I was so overwhelmed by the vast beauty and hugeness of the sky. I’ve been so humbled by the fact that God is so powerful and majestic, yet He still sees me and cares for me.
And I learned a lot about prayer–that I can’t just listen for the answer I want to hear, spoken by God, or I might miss His true answer.
God definitely used camp to direct many important decisions I needed to make, and I’m so thankful to comprehend His love and character a little better.
I’m glad you got to go to camp too! Camp is the BEST for getting out into God’s amazing creation! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you for sharing this post! I enjoyed reading it. This summer has been a difficult one for me as it’s turned out to be everything opposite of what I’ve planned/hoped for/expected. Learning to rest in the Lord is “easy” at first when harder times come, but as weeks go by with no answers that’s when one really has to rely on His strength and say “Whatever is in Your Will”.
Sorry to hear you’ve had a difficult summer! Keep looking to the Lord and He will teach you what He wants you to learn and “grow you” in ways you never thought possible!