A Glimpse of My Life: July 2013

As anticipated, this summer has been one full of activity.

It began with a week-long mission trip with our High School students to Jersey Shore in Middletown, New Jersey. It was a wonderful time of relationship building with our High School kids, traveling in a much different place, learning more about service, and having a sufficient amount of fun in the process! The devastation from Hurricane Sandy is still present in pockets (largely based on high and low points in the rolling hills of NJ where we were), but it is still distinct nearly 10 months after the disaster. Our group spent the week doing various manual labor service projects, passing out flyers for relief efforts, and serving in soup kitchens. In our week in New Jersey, we definitely learned that service is about doing whatever is asked - whether or not it is the expected task. This lesson was a valuable one for both the leaders and the students. Following a week of service, we were rewarded with a day trip to New York City, highlighted by a Yankees game in a luxury box!

Upon returning from New Jersey, I jumped right back into my job as a Middle School teacher/counselor at the JOY Summer Camp at my church. It has been a great experience of learning how to affirm kids in who they are, their positive actions, and most importantly teaching them about Jesus - and the importance of His life to ours. Going into this summer, I did not know exactly what to expect with this job, but I have found great joy in the privilege and blessing of sharing the Gospel with numerous kids on a daily basis. Some highlights include: going to Yellowstone to see Old Faithful, going fly fishing, going on numerous hikes, doing some fun crafts, and biking around town.

Two weekends ago, I decided to take Monday off from work and travel up practically to Canada to visit my sister Britta in Glacier National Park. She is working at Glacier in the Rising Sun Campground and with the non-profit "A Christian Ministry for the National Parks". Even though it was a 9 hour drive in both directions, the trip was totally worth it. It was truly refreshing to see Britta (after nearly 7 months apart), catch up on life, and spend time in an absolutely gorgeous and vast location. The mountains of Glacier weathered and very old - almost as if they are the Tetons' grandparent - incredibly unique, and stretch out in a nearly endless fashion. If you have a chance before mid-September, I'm sure Britta would love visitors!

Recently, I have been reading through Ecclesiastes. A book that many think was written by Solomon, it contains great insights into life and the purpose of life here on earth. A man who chose wisdom when God offered him riches, wisdom, or power - we have much to learn from Solomon. What sticks out to me about this book is how Solomon dissects mortal life, and ultimately discovers that it is meaningless, or a "chasing after wind". However, he says that one thing gives meaning to life:

"There is nothing better for mortals than to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in their toil. This also, I saw is from the hand of God; for apart from Him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? For to the one who pleases Him, God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy"

Ecclesiastes 2:24-26a

We all yearn for purpose in life. This summer, I have had many different activities, - from serving in New Jersey, to telling kids about Jesus, to enjoying the great outdoors - but without a greater purpose, these activities would be pointless. Luckily, God's hand is living and active in each of our lives (whether or not we choose to acknowledge it). If we thank God for what we get to do with each day we are given, and count everything we do as a blessing from God and His handiwork, our perspective will change drastically! Remember that Jesus said "I have come that they (you!) may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). Thank God for the little and big things in the life you have been given each day. Without thinking about this, you might be missing out on the true enjoyment that God has for you in this life!

Enjoy some photos from my summer thus far...