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Pause the Nostalgia

In lieu of the throwback Friday Fives... and given the overwhelming state of my gratitude for last week... I thought I'd hit you with a current Friday (posted on Monday) Five.

I was afforded the opportunity to be a camp counselor for my church youth program last week. (Trust me... you aren't the only one scratching their head about my qualifications!) I entered the week stressed about a multitude of things from being responsible for 8 high school girl's camp experience... and having a lot to say, but lacking the how-to. A wise pastor once said to me that you aren't ever quite sure what part you play in the growth process, and that has never been more clear to me. I can't say that I changed anyone's life, or even inspired change, but I know that the girls experienced intentional authenticity from me this week and hopefully I played a small part in their growth process.

Here's your belated five....

1. The value of a pure heart. Sometimes, we encounter a person that by the standards of the crowd is lackluster but upon genuine inspection, offers us a glimpse of the value of the simple life. They aren't pretentious, they don't have a motive, there aren't bells or whistles, they just are unapologetically naive. What a beauty to behold.
2. Karaoke. It's difficult to stay in a bad mood when a hundred people (of whom the majority were born after the song was released) are singing Bohemian Rhapsody at the top of their lungs. The ability of a song, just a few verses and a chorus, can join people together, forge invisible bridges, and change an experience is breathtaking.
3. How friendship just sneaks up on you sometimes. Isn't it incredible when you invest your heart and gain friends as reciprocal payment for it? I know a lot of people, but I think you get to know people on another level when you serve with them.
4. Dirt. There is something to be said about traipsing around the countryside, getting dirty with your friends. The boon for aforementioned traipsing... a good night's sleep!
5. Testimony. Sometimes life gives you the short stick and it buries itself down deep in your guts, developing who you are, shaping your beliefs and opinions, and challenging you to live different... but sometimes, it's just there as a roadmap to give to others. Occasionally, circumstance affords us the chance to show our shelved items in a display of equality.... sort of a trust me, I'm like you, soul bearing.... I'm especially grateful for these times. Anytime that my past gains a purpose is a good day.

Camp was. It was all the things I want to say and can't make the words fit. It was trauma, and fun, and reconciliation, and nostalgia, and warmth. I'm so grateful that someone had more faith in me than I did in myself and delegated me to the exact perfect place.

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