Yeah, that,

So I am in Ocean Park, ME. 'Cause it is beautiful and a bit of a change is nice.

CYC is going on now (which is why I am visiting now, really.)


Today I witnessed something I had to report to the men's camp director. I was in the soda fountain, getting a Raspberry Lime Rickey. As a stood in line, I became aware of a young man from the camp interacting with an elderly couple who were using mobility aids --the man a wheelchair, the woman a cane. The Judson man (that's what CYC calls it's male campers) stood in line for the couple, ordered their food and twice refused their offer to pay for his ice cream saying it wasn't necessary. He noticed the man was wearing a veteran's t-shirt and thanked him for his service.

I couldn't help but smile.

Then, I have been a believer in Christian camp for 30+ years.


I am not the only one convinced. Sometimes people join the community and just "click." That seems to have been the case with this year's chaplaincy duo. Never having been with us ever, they seemed to know what to expect and what was needed. The husband of the team even blogged about the experience. Check out what he had to say here.

See, it's not just me.

I also saw a  variety of posts on Commitment Night from people who couldn't attend but wished they could or shared other memories of their experiences. Not all entirely positive but everyone had some good memories. Not to mention some of the alumni who (like me) were present in person.. for the 35th, 40th or 48th time.

What's been your experience with summer camp?

(Belated) Song for Sunday: The Tears of a Clown

Robin Williams is dead and many people are shocked. They didn't know that the comedian battled depression. Many figured such an amazingly funny person must be happy.

Check your perceptions. Class clowns are often trying to divert attention for something -- an incompetence in some area, a learning disability, having missed something because of inattention....or depression.

Back in 1971, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles performed The Tears of a Clown. It's lyrics are an authentic expression of the experience of many. Of course, song lyrics can only go so far. The deep pain of so many defies true expression.


So in memory of not only Robin Williams, but all of the other class clowns and comedians who have died by their own hand and in hopes that this will help raise awareness and ease the struggle for others, The Tears of a Clown is today's Song for Sunday. 

 

God bless your journey.

 

Song for Sunday: Beautiful Day

It's a beautiful day. The weather is nice -- sunny and cool. I got to worship, work with youth, celebrate a graduation with friends.

Today also would have been my Mom's 74th birthday. My friend Paul rode the PanMass challenge in memory of his wife but also my mother, in honor of his sister-in-law, but also my sister. We are grateful for him.

There is someplace I would rather be than here today, but that isn't what's happening.

So I try to enjoy today as it is... full of worship, work, celebration, memory, and longing. And it's a Beautiful Day, so the U2 song of that name became today's Song for Sunday.

What songs are you enjoying today?