And the King will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, so you did it to me." Christ loves and accepts all of us, encouraging us to come as we are. Camp has embodied this open-minded, welcoming atmosphere for me in a way that has allowed me to feel comfortable expanding my own faith. As we sing in the hymn, WE ARE CALLED to love tenderly.
Never does He mention only loving certain neighbors, but Jesus calls us to love and welcome all our neighbors; as just as we love any of our neighbors we are also loving Jesus. Growing up as a camper, the love shown by my counselors inspired me to come back as a counselor, myself. Now as a counselor, I see the inspiration and love of God in the children as we creekwalk, play capture the flag, or discover some cool nature (or slag!). All the while, I am reminded that God is constantly at work around us, lighting the flame of faith until it burns bright in the campers and counselors, throughout the summer and beyond.
(Photo: Potomac 2017 - dinner day 2, after 20 miles of paddling and a surprise huge rain storm!)