We just picked our youngest up from the Camp Barakel bus. He was the portrait of summer camp……sun-kissed cheeks, wrinkled shirt–probably worn for several days in a row–, ball cap askew, unspent camp store money clutched tightly in his fist and a reluctant kiss for mom coupled with an “I’m hungry” after the hours-long bus ride from the beautiful northern part of the southern peninsula of Michigan. (You poor folks with only one peninsula will have to think on that for a moment.)

Spence and some buddies getting ready to board the bus

When he left, Spence’s suitcase was the picture of perfection. Tightly folded tees and shorts; rolled socks and Bible, note cards and notebook lined up and neat. He was so proud…we snapped a picture.

Now, however, his suitcase leaves a tad bit to be desired; wadded clothes, crumpled, half-finished “cause-the-guys-wanted-to-play-cards” letters home and to grandpa and grandma; trash bag for dirty clothes never touched but still folded neatly in his zipper compartment, funky looking (and smelling) assorted boy garments. Whew!!!!

But he is home.

And, although his suitcase is messy, his heart underwent a good cleaning at camp. Ever the fidgetter, we sometimes wonder if he absorbs anything he hears. Well, this year we know he did.

He recounted stories of challenge by the speaker encouraging the kids to stand up for God even when it isn’t popular. He chatted for hours to us yesterday, recounting all the examples and voicing his desire to be someone who does the same.

What stuck out most to him was a simple admonition. His speaker at chapel drilled three points home for the kids to live by:

• Read God’s Word
• Do What it Says
• Keep Jesus First

Simple. But a needed reminder, even for grown-ups.

I’ll take a messy suitcase lugged home by a cleaned-up kid anytime.

Un-packing the Blessings,

Share and Enjoy!

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