Hope Springs Eternal

John 3:30. "He must become more, I must become less. " I had quite the week. Very busy. Still say it's a good thing I retired.....I don't have time to work! Made a couple of fast trips to Oklahoma, which is what I want to share with you today. But........I'm getting ahead of myself again. I try not to think of politics and social trends. Frankly, I think I am showing my age when I discuss these things. The world is so different than it was when my kids were little. Frightengly different. If I let myself, I could give you a list of 100 things to worry about in our society today. Everything from inflation to the various wars we are discussing. The price of gas and groceries. The rising crime rate, to which our response was acquiring a home security system. Then families and children is something I can really get on my soapbox about. Also, sounding like someone in my past, I could talk about young people - their irresponsibility, outspokenness, risky behaviors, seeming lack of respect for much of anything. And faith. Sometimes I get so concerned about the future leaders of our faith. I wonder if they have the background and experience to sustain their belief during those events in life they will certainly face. I detect a " cavalier" attitude about Christ. An indifferent attitude that frightens me to my core. And then I had the experiences of this week . The last weekend in July, I went with my daughter to take the two oldest children to summer camp in Oklahoma. The kids were very excited. Since their dad is deployed in Afghanistan, they received a remarkable gift. Some organization, not sure which one, granted both kids a scholarship to attend a week at a Christian camp in Oklahoma. We were taking them for their week of fun last weekend. Those of you who have been through the experience of leaving your child somewhere without you and among strangers probably understand the feeling. We were apprehensive, but trying not to show it. Skeptical, but attempting cover-up. Betting they might not be able to stay the whole time. Worried that the camp called itself "Chritian" , but that it would be superficial with little emphasis on Christian training and growth. When we got there people were arriving as we were. Over the loud speaker played some of my favorite Christian music. Lots of smiles,suitcase carrying, and anxious kids. We took both grandkids to their cabins, met their counsellors, and saw where they would be staying for the next week. By their bunks were supplies for the week, including their workbook for group time. Naturally I took a quick peek at that. It was based on the above scripture from John, and I was really impressed. 25 memory verses for the week, and what appeared to be a lot of "meat" from the Word. I was hopeful the week was going to be more meaningful than I first thought. Throughout the week, the camp posted pictures of the kids involved in the various activities. They had things like horseback riding, airsoft, ropes and ziplines, swimming, bowling......you name it, they did it. There were also pictures of the kids during worship services and small group time. Kids with very 'deep' looks on their faces, as if they were really thinking about what they were hearing and doing. I became more hopeful. After what seemed like a long week to mama and nana, we went to get the kids on Saturday. We gathered their things then headed to the main gathering hall to attend one last service at camp. This Nana cried through most of the service. What I saw in that service literally gave me hope for our future as Christians. Kids singing praises to God. Meaningfully participating. Videos of small groups meeting and praying. Kids with their Bibles open. Everything you could want to see children doing was evident that day. I was so blessed in that service. But the real blessing was yet to come. On the way home, neither child could stop talking. Sure, I heard how fun the activities were. But I heard much more. Tales of impromptu worship services in the individual cabins. The kids recounting what they had learned in chapel or from their counsellors. Meaningful, thoughtful comments about scripture. My granddaughter quoting scripture she had memorized. Comments about how they could let God be first instead of self. There was excitement in their voices, and not only about swimming and airsoft games. Excitement about their relationship with Christ. So you see there is hope. There are people out there committed to the cause of Christ. There are young people who are still reachable....those who really want to make a difference in the lives of others. Kids who know there is more to life than cell phones and video games. HE is here, working in the lives of children, teens, young adults, old nanas. He won't be overcome by materialism, selfishness, 'feel good' doctrine not based on The Word. He's alive and kicking, and working as He always has........unfolding a plan for all of us: " For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 Hope. It's always there....resting in the arms of Jesus.