Our sons attended a church retreat a few days after Christmas. My younger one registered as a camper, and my older one volunteered as a counselor. To be honest with you, I was kind of surprised that my college student was interested. When his cousin asked if he would like to participate as a counselor, the response was based on his volleyball practice schedule since he had to return to school earlier than everyone else. But then, a couple of weeks after that initial conversation, my son texted and announced he was approved to be a counselor. I was delighted to hear about his commitment to serving the Lord in this capacity. Another plus was to have him available for my younger son if he needed anything. During the retreat, I was overjoyed when we received texts in our family group chat about the overall success of the retreat. We received a few details and no complaints. When our kids returned, my oldest was exhausted. It turned out that he and the other counselors pulled an all-nighter so they could finish all the "counselor responsibilities." Before I could even ask how it went, my son commented how awesome it was and that he had already given the pastors his commitment to go again in the summer, next winter, and the following year. Wow! When we pressed him for details, he shared that he received more than he gave. Despite the very early counselor meetings, bunking with two talkative 6th graders, and the unappetizing cafeteria food, he loved it. He even went so far as to say he missed his campers and was committed to praying for them. Be still my mama's heart! ☺ My second word for 2023 was confirmed when my son shared his summary of the retreat. The word is "inconvenience." The retreat was inconvenient to him: no privacy, no sleep, and none of my husband's delicious meals. Nevertheless, it was one of the best days he had had in a while. He encountered God in a fresh and intimate way. He loved worshipping with the campers and seeking Him through the lyrics. He found his young roommates to be amusing and enjoyable. The whole retreat left a memorable impression on his heart. There will be times when we will have a choice to be inconvenienced. Situations will present themselves to consider others above yourself. We don't have to do it, but it benefits the person and situation. I have a few people in my life who always go out of their way to extend care and compassion my way. They certainly don't have to, but they do. It always humbles me to receive their thoughtfulness and motivates me to do the same. I would like to extend that encouragement to you also. How can you go out of your way to bless someone else? What can you do to make someone else's life easier? How can you make them feel cared for and thought of? It could be towards someone you know or a stranger. Either way, you can leave an impression that lasts a lifetime.
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