Praise God for another week on this Island of Joy! Session 7 is already packed with smiles, excessive amounts of singing, sunshine, and Candyland-themed decorations for this week. The girls have already gotten opportunities to do tons of fun activities including cabin bonding, archery, banana boating, hiking, and even a canoe trip! Tonight, we all look forward to an epic game of “Capture the Candy,” where teams of campers will attempt to capture Candyland characters (their counselors!) all around the island.
This week, we also had the opportunity to hear a message from Miss Rosie Gray, a former staff member and camper. Miss Rosie spoke about how we can deepen our relationship with Christ by becoming intentional thanksGIVERS as an overflow of contentment in Christ. The overwhelming mercy and grace of God demands a response of falling at His feet in worship, regardless of the changing circumstances and struggles we will inevitably encounter.
In thinking about this, it is easy for both campers and staff to become hyper-focused on the next stage of this year, whether it be school, a big move, a new job, or just a different season. We often get wrapped up in prayers over the next stage of life, but while we do this, the present can slip right by. As I also look towards transitioning from Tapawingo, the Lord has been teaching me to cherish each moment as an opportunity to glorify God and give thanks to Him, finding contentment with where I am right now. Choosing gratitude in the little moments makes space for God to quiet our anxieties and give us peace in the knowledge that every week—at Tapawingo or elsewhere—is a purpose-filled gift from God.
Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
In Christ,
Miss Anna
