Flying With Christ

This past weekend, I had the awesome privilege of serving at a girl's weekend retreat. The whole experience was not new to me as I have both attended and served at a similar retreat for adults. However, spending three days with 18 girls did make for a different kind of experience. I was no doubt reminded just how much a teenage girl can talk and eat, how much time they can spend in front of the mirror, and how hard it can be to wake them up, especially early in the morning! On the other hand, they were full of energy and fun, especially when it was time to sing and share. Each one was so unique and beautiful, creative and just plain real.

I honestly could not have asked for a better team of adults to share in this amazing opportunity. And the girls who attended, ranging in age from high school sophomore to college freshman, were just the ones God had in mind. It was obvious by the way that God worked in them (and the rest of us) throughout the weekend and by their testimony at the end of the three days.

I know that for some, it was a life-changing event... they will never be the same. For others, they will leave this mountain-top experience and slip back into the valley as soon as they return home and the routine begins again. They may even wonder if the weekend really happened the way they remembered. Even with the best of intentions, it is so easy to forget when the day-to-day stresses press in all around. I know this from personal experience. I only pray that our faithful God who brought them to this place will ever remind them of His love for them and continue to draw each one closer to Himself (myself included).

As for the details of the retreat, I can say that the food was incredible, as it always is at these retreats. The sleeping accommodations were comfortable, even if they were metal bunk beds (think 4-H camp). Actually, I was quite shocked and pleasantly surprised to arrive at camp to find the dorms completely renovated with new bathroom facilities (including full size potties and more sinks) and adequate heat. The rest of camp was the same, which gave me a great sense of familiarity and peace. The speakers were hand-picked by the Lord Himself, so that the information and experiences shared were relevant and powerful. The entire weekend was highlighted by selfless service, acts of kindness, and abundant agape. I left the weekend feeling spiritually renewed, but physically tired. I don't think I'm fully recovered and rested yet, but it was so worth it!

One more detail... it snowed for the first time in the history of this retreat. The girls were thrilled, and it made the camp quite serene, aside from hurtling snowballs and shrill voices. Just another little awesome display of love from the Heavenly Father...