Sunshine

A year ago I posted this picture...

There are many more photos that captivate this place however I remember sitting on the beach and reflecting on my week at camp. Last year brought many challenges with my camper however it is always still rewarding. After much reflection after coming home this summer I was signed up for session two to be a counselor. After much debate and inner workings I figured out that this year camp would have to be set aside. I would continue to be a part of camp just in a different way this year, I was a floater. Meaning I would be paired with a camper for an hour to allow the counselors to catch some shut eye shower in a less hassled area or just take an hour to do nothing but reflect. I had a hard time allowing myself not to partcipate in the four day three night adventure I take every summer -- I had to weigh my pros and cons.

Pros. I would still be able to attend the talent show, I would still get to participate in an hour of crafts and an hour of recreation and a hour of lessons. Times that by two days and I got six wonderful hours of camp activities! I still got to sing songs & see those beautiful campers.

Cons. I would not get to call a camper my special friend, I would miss out on the sunsets on the deck, reflections, counselor friends, campers who continually have a positive attitude, smiles, tears of happiness, pure joy and love. I would miss the campers singing in pure delight. I would miss campers being overly pumped about the camp food, the amazing staff that works in the kitchen. The amazing staff that puts camp on every year. The crystal clear sky that shows God grace with him shining brightly through the stars (there has not been one year that hasn't showcased beauty like his sky at camp).

And while my cons outweigh my pros it was necessary for me to step back this year. For many reasons however I know after volunteering for a couple hours each day was enough for me this year. 

Another thing that spoke to me that I had made the right decision to allow myself to just get a glimpse that was the theme: TREASURES. On Saturday morning I listened to a lesson on what Mimi treasured most in her life from showing numerous pictures, rocks from adventures and from different places around the world. Sitting around my neck that first day floating was my beaded necklace from a market in Dakar -- unintentionally wearing it as a treasure it was true, I treasure that piece of jewelry. And treasures were exactly what I thought about the rest of the weekend -- I wasn't meant to do camp this year because it was necessary for me to treasure my trip this year. That is not to say that I won't be attending next year and sitting in the middle of the talent show instead of as an 'outsider.'

Like any year of camp it is so refreshing to walk on the grounds of camp and be in a non-judgmental environment, pure happiness all around. It is so refreshing to see counselors who showcase that there are still pure-hearted goodness left in this world that most recently has been shaken with gunmen and so many other injustices the world holds. At camp that is all subsided and the environment is so care free and a breathe of fresh air. I am so honored to be part of such a wonderful community. Camp Sunshine sure makes me happy. 30 years of pure perfection!

Think of what you treasure and be thankful.

Happy Tuesday!