An Evening at Camp Eunice

Camp Eunice has been a part of our lives for over ten years.  The first summer we lived in Macon, I read in the newspaper about Camp Eunice, a Christian camp about 30 minutes away that was very reasonably priced.  I was always looking for things for the boys (Paul and Zack at that time) to do during the summer, so I showed the article to Paul.  A few weeks later, we drove out to the camp to check it out and we decided to send Paul Jr. for a week that summer, and one or more of our children have attended every summer since.  Paul, Sr. has taught Junior Camp every week for the past several years and is part of the camp family now.  I even attended a summer camp a few years ago.  Camp Eunice is a very "campy" and rustic camp, but my children (and husband) love it.  They have made lifelong friends there- and even Paul met one of his closest friends there.   The opportunity arose a few weeks ago when Zack was home for our entire family to go to Camp Eunice for the evening.  That has never happened before, and will probably never happen again.

 Emma greeting Dad and Ellie.  Paul, Sr., Ellie, Sam and Ben had come to Camp Eunice the day before.  Paul was teaching Junior Camp this week and Ellie was his assistant.  Sam was attending as a full fledged camper and Ben was a pre-camper, but you couldn't tell him that.  In his eyes, the camp was just for him.

 When we drove up, we found Sam playing around in the front of the dining hall. 

 He was one of the first in line for dinner.  He loves camp!

 Ellie, patiently waiting dad's instuction.

 Anna and Andrea (Zack's girlfriend) singing before the service started.

 Ben before chapel started

 Sam in chapel.

 Right before chapel started, Anna came over and said Mom, Dad wants you to sing with us.  Ok.  So I handed Emma to Paul Jr. and came up front with Anna.

 Zack played the guitar for most of the songs.

 Paul led the worship.

 When Zack finished playing guitar, he came over and sang with Anna and I.

 It was during this time that the thought struck me.  I am here with all 7 of my children.  The oldest 4 are all ministering tonight with their Dad and I.  Paul Jr. was holding Emma (and putting her to sleep), Ellie was running the powerpoint and Zack and Anna were singing.

 I was very blessed by that thought.  There are many days (both in the past and present) that I wonder if what I'm doing is making any difference in the lives of my children.  Sometimes I get so bogged down in the trivial and the mundane that I fail to recognize the glimpse of glory that God is giving me.  On this night, I recognized it.  I am so blessed.  No, my children are not perfect, but God is using them.  On this night, we were all serving God and others.  Together.  Does it get any better for a parent?  It thrilled me to sing praises with two of my children at my side and two more ministering in the audience and my husband leading the worship.   Wow.  THAT is amazing.

 Emma hugging Sam.

This was a night to remember.  This was a moment to tuck away and bring to remembrance when the going gets tough (like it always does) and when I feel discouraged.  This was an unexpected smile from my Father in heaven and a pat on the back. 

Thank You Father.