People are people... Each one the same yet incredibly different. People also desire to interact with one another to learn about themselves and others. Relationships are everything to the enjoyment of our lives on this earth. Not convinced? Then why are you reading this/a blog? How did you find the link Twitter/ Facebook? Inside of each one of us is a desire to know and be known. Pride, arrogance, and selfishness stem from this desire, but so does our salvation in Christ Jesus.
An amazing opportunity I recently had to build relationships was at a volunteer camp full of kids ages 8-16 all with some sort of congenital heart defect. Here, at Heart Camp, kids feel connected to their peers and counselors and open up relationally about all of life very quickly and comfortably. This openness is contagious and spreads like wildfire to even the shyest of attendees. To hear story after story of lives that are medically "defective" in some shape or form become successful kids and adults that contribute wonderfully to society, is extremely motivating. The relationship between the camper and counselor is immediately filled with commonalities of life. As a four year counselor and Christ follower, that understands the brutal need for male guidance and counsel, this camp is an exciting opportunity to help make a difference in at least one persons life.
Sometimes helping a camper or making a difference is along the lines of helping them improve their relationship skills with the opposite sex or learning how to listen to others stories... not just tell their own. Other times consist of more serious topics:
Why do I have to live with this problem?
What can I do to make my life matter in this life, even though I know I won't have a full life to live?
Why even live?
Building trust is imperative for the camper to break down and tell the counselor their deepest questions or fears. They want answers. For most people, one is content on finding an answer out without seeking attention or help in the process, at camp this barrier is very weak. I don't have all the answers, what I do have is a Peace that passes all understanding from God, that (hopefully) shows in my actions and words to those around me. Being one to encourage much, tear down little; remained disciplined yet approachable; showing grace, kindness, and love to all and ignore no one.
Did I perfect those tasks? By no means! Was that my prayer heading into the week? ABSOLUTELY! It is encouraging to listen to others tell me that I influenced them positively or my words from years past came back to lead them to the Truth. To them, their praise is directed at me. To that i say, it's not me, but Him (the holy trinity GOD) that by His wonderful grace He has shown me in life, I may simply be able to copy that grace and love to others and show others who the original Counselor truly is.
To learn more about Dr. Bill Neches Heart Camp for Kids click below:
http://www.chp.edu/CHP/heart+camp
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