I ended the last post with "16 days left of school". Well, as of today there are 15 days left of summer - and what a summer it has been.
I grew up loving summer, as I'm sure most of you did. The slow and endless days were a breath onto my soul. Over the years, the gift of summer has certainly shifted. There's the joy of seeing the babies experience the beach and enjoy a popsicle. And then once they start school the slower morning and the long afternoons.
But this year something changed. We decided to send Emerson to Hume Lake and I went along to be her counselor. It was terribly taxing. Even though I grew up going to camp and leading camps, it hits different when you're 40 and sleeping in a rustic wagon caring for 7 other girls for a week. The girls are barely old enough to be gone from their parents for that long so they need help with the basics - tying their shoes, showering, etc. But the reward was great. So many of my daughter's friends grew deep in their relationship with the Lord. My own included. And we were also able to pour into other moms and counselors. Kingdom work.
This summer we also joined 10 other families and partnered with YWAM to build two homes for two deserving families in Mexico. We returned yesterday. It was also hard and taxing and equally rewarding. More Kingdom work. And there was also hard and hurts there to which I could only cling to the promises and encouragement from the Word of God as my refuge.
I half joked that I need a respite from this summer - some 5 star hotel with just me, my bible, a few good books, and Josh. You'll find me at the adult only pool except during my appointment at the spa. lol Physically and emotionally I am taxed but spiritually I am filled to the brim. Josh and my first mission together. Emerson and Landon's first mission, first time in Mexico, first time seeing great need. A stark contrast from their lives. Emerson really grew up at camp and grew in her faith.
2 Corinthians 12:15 has been my daily reminder this summer. At Hume I prayed the words over my heart every morning. "I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls."
The unintentional theme of my summer.
Our family is learning the different Names of God this summer. Jehovah Shammah, meaning The Lord is There. Just as He never left the Israelites and would instead guide them by day in a pillar of clouds, and by night with a pillar of Fire. The same way he gave Hagar a well in the wilderness. Just how He was with David while he fled to the mountains and sought sanctuary with his enemies. Just as he took Abigail from a terrible marriage and gave her a seat of prominence. Jehovah Shammah - He has never left us, especially on the hard days.
