It's summer and in my corner of Texas kids are headed off to church camp. I always get a wee sentimental as I pray over their time away. For our family, church camp is not just about cool water slides and an endless supply of junk food (although these things are a contributing factor). Camp is a time to dial into the voice of God. To come expecting to hear from God. A time set aside to meet with Him. I pray over my kids’ time at camp and I love to send letters with each child. I often slip them in between the pages of their Bible, in the back pack full of Dollar Tree snacks, and even folded up in their toiletry kit. 

I want them to treasure their time and make memories -- memories with their friends, their leaders, and Jesus. Intentionally setting time aside to meet with God carries so much purpose. 

I also think it’s easy to tune each other out. We often grow too familiar with the voices we hear every day. Letters allow us to say the things we feel and let the reader soak up the intentions behind the words. 

With that being said, I thought I’d share a piece of our family culture with you. This is one of the letters I wrote to my oldest son this week:

Hey Jax!

I'm so excited for what God has in store for you while you're at camp. I know the pressures you're experiencing grow greater with each year. You're 14 now and these are honestly the last 5 years I have to impact your life. I won't ever stop parenting you when you become an adult, but I also won't have nearly as much say over the choices you make after you graduate. But there is someone who can continue having the most important impact on your life... no matter how old you are. 

That's why your relationship with God is more important than ever before! Your world is getting more complicated, but when you are in the presence of God things become clear and simple. Love Him. Talk to Him. Listen to Him. Obey Him.

He is for you. He sees YOU, Jax. He isn't disappointed in you. You are not an inconvenience to Him. He has time for you. He wants to talk to you every day. He's proud of you, son. He thinks you are amazing.

How do I know this? Because He told me these things about you. Because I feel these things about you and, yet, I could never love you as perfectly as God loves you. 

God has everything you need for a beautiful, happy life. This life will never be perfect, but it can be full of peace and beauty. Keep pursuing Him, Jax. Even when it hurts. Even when He feels far away. The truth is He's closer than your own breath.

I'm praying for you. I'm praying for Holy Spirit break through. I'm praying that remnants of this time at camp are remembered and carried with you for decades to come. I pray God speaks deeply to you and, in the future... when you feel confused or unsure in your faith... you'll remember what God revealed to you when you were just a 14yr old kid going to summer church camp.

All my love,

Mom