The internet works faster this time…lovely.

Last night the internet wasn’t working too fast. Now it’s better. I’ve been doing some thinking. Something that I do every now and again.

Tomorrow is my last day of camp at Camp Firwood for the summer. On Saturday I start the mostly unexpected process of readying myself for a journey to an entirely new experience. I’ll probably go see my Grandpa, spend time with people I haven’t got to see all summer, and get nervous. In the mean time though the thing that I was thinking about is how great this place is. I really don’t give Jesus enough credit for Camp Firwood. Here, Jesus, (if Jesus reads my blog…I think He may in a manner of speaking) Thanks for Firwood.

I say this because I caught myself feeling ungrateful about the absolute blessing that this place has been in my life. In 2004 I was a counselor in training and took hold of my faith here. Last summer I was a counselor and learned a lot. This summer I am waterfront director and Camp really served in a lot of ways as “bitter Chauncey rehab”. I came into this summer a burnt-out, exhausted version of myself who lacked a lot of joy. As I look back I am able to see the things the Lord taught me this summer. Things about my value, things about service, things about loving people and Jesus. Important things.

I find that at the beginning of each summer I’ve found myself wondering why I’m here, but then by the end I always wish I didn’t have to leave. That’s right now. I think it really is time to go. As of Saturday I have 10 days before I go to Costa Rica. I do need to see a few people and spend quality time with them before I disappear for a few months. Yet, I was talking with some great people this evening and found myself wishing I had more time to spend with them. I have great friends here. I have great role models. I am a man who receives so much good from the Lord, however I am also a man who (thus far) only realizes the great things he has when they’re almost gone. I wish that wasn’t the case.

I think I did a good job this summer, but if I had been able to live every week the way I’m living this one I think there would have been super amazing things that would have happened. Still, that would probably have been impossible considering it took me an entire summer to get to where I am now. But, just in case you’re wondering I am really loving this week at camp.

I suppose I need to learn to be better at being grateful. So many people have blessed me here. I don’t think any of them really grasp how much. One man in particular. Robert Lee. Director of Camp Firwood. The man who took me on staff as a CIT in 2004…and hired me as a counselor last summer…and again as waterfront director this summer. He also asks about my life and cares about the answer. I don’t think I’ve ever thanked him for all that. I probably will tomorrow. I don’t think there’s any way that I can adequately express the gratitude that I found for this place and God working in my life this evening. SO…i feel like you’ll just have to use your imagination.

If you’re one of those great people who pray for me, thank Jesus for letting me be here. Even though I was fussy about it at first. I don’t think I would have rather been anywhere else…Hopefully tomorrow morning won’t make this go away. I don’t like waking up.