This year, your daddy and I went back and forth as pt whether or not we were going to go. We realized it would be a lot of work just to get there with you two. Plus, with constant church meetings where you had to sit still and be quiet, would it be worth it? Two weeks before camp we finally decided to give it a shot.
We were right, it was definitely a lot of work. But it was absolutely worth it! You boys were beyond amazing! You traveled well. You were so behaved during the meetings. And minus sleeping at night (you did not like going back to your rock n plays!), we really can't complain. You made lots of new friends and mommy and daddy got a lot of excellent help!
This year's camp theme was forgiveness based on Matthew 18:21-22, "Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."
We spent the week learning what true forgiveness is and how to truly forgive someone. Going into the week, I was very excited about this theme; I was comfortable with my ability to forgive. However, as we delved deeper into the topic, I realized I do not forgive everyone as quickly and easily as I should. As humans we often forgive conditionally, but God teaches us to simply forgive unconditionally. It is easy to feel hurt or betrayed by others. When this happens it can be difficult to trust them again or accept their apology in fear they will do it again. But how often does the Lord forgive me, day after day, of the same mistakes over and over again?
What I thought was going to be an easy, spiritual, week for me, actually taught me I have much work to do. I tend to hold grudges when people really hurt me. I tend to bottle up these hurts and often the person does not even know the pain they may be causing me. This week we learned that now is the time to unite as a church. We need to first address any offenses we may have and then we need to forgive. If our purpose is to spread Christ's love, we must make sure as a church we are united by His love.
I am so thankful for the week we spent as a family with our church family. As you boys continue to grow and learn, I hope we can continue to hold on to this feeling of Forgiveness: 490. It's my prayer that I can grow myself so that I can be an example to you boys of the importance of true forgiveness.
We spent the week learning what true forgiveness is and how to truly forgive someone. Going into the week, I was very excited about this theme; I was comfortable with my ability to forgive. However, as we delved deeper into the topic, I realized I do not forgive everyone as quickly and easily as I should. As humans we often forgive conditionally, but God teaches us to simply forgive unconditionally. It is easy to feel hurt or betrayed by others. When this happens it can be difficult to trust them again or accept their apology in fear they will do it again. But how often does the Lord forgive me, day after day, of the same mistakes over and over again?
What I thought was going to be an easy, spiritual, week for me, actually taught me I have much work to do. I tend to hold grudges when people really hurt me. I tend to bottle up these hurts and often the person does not even know the pain they may be causing me. This week we learned that now is the time to unite as a church. We need to first address any offenses we may have and then we need to forgive. If our purpose is to spread Christ's love, we must make sure as a church we are united by His love.
I am so thankful for the week we spent as a family with our church family. As you boys continue to grow and learn, I hope we can continue to hold on to this feeling of Forgiveness: 490. It's my prayer that I can grow myself so that I can be an example to you boys of the importance of true forgiveness.
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