Right now I am staring at myself on a computer screen while in the empty lodge at Camp Marshall. It appears that for the 2nd time today, I find myself in a zoom room meeting with no other participants. But more than that, I find myself at an empty camp with no campers and just a handful of staff. It is quiet. It is new. And it is lonely.
I know that I'm not the only person who has felt lonely during 2020. What a year it's been! Pandemics, political unrest, business closures, natural disasters, camps not running-the list goes on and on. Add to that not getting to see or be physically near people, and loneliness is almost a guaranteed outcome.
I think sometimes loneliness.can make us feel as if God is not with us. During these uncertain times it's also easy to question God. "Where are you God? Why does God let these bad things happen? When will this all end?"
In Romans Chapter 8 it says
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? ..... For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
The truth is, God is ALWAYS with us. Even amidst disaster, crisis and loneliness, God is there. The key is figuring out how to connect with God. Where and how do you feel God, and feel God's peace? Is it out on the lake? Is it at home with a cup of tea? Is it in your garden? Wherever it is, make time for it. Make time to talk to God.
I personally feel God in nature. In the trees and wind and smell of pines. So after I leave the lodge, I will go for a walk in the woods and breathe deep. I will remember that I am loved immensely. I will remind myself that I have a purpose and a path, even when the way doesn't seem clear. I will rejoice and give thanks for the many blessings of this life.
This summer canceling camp was a tough decision. Of course all of us would rather be hearing the sound of 50 campers laughing, talking, running and playing all around camp right now. However since that's not an option, we believe that we can still stay connected to God and each other, even if we can't be together physically. That's what virtual camp is all about. This is all brand new to us. We are trying new things every day. Some will succeed. Some will fail. We are okay with that. We are striving to meet you and your family where you are. We are striving to show God's love to every person who logs on. We are open to suggestions and thoughts and ideas! will hope you will join us for some of it.
YOU are important. YOU are loved. YOU are not alone. Now and forever.
