Daily Devotion

One of the things that I enjoy about going to Family Camp is that it is a world apart from everyday life.  There’s a structure to the day that is wholly different from my normal everyday life.  I eat at different times, sleep in different surroundings, and do different things.  It’s not often I sing songs at the end of a meal or walk down to a craft cabin to do melty beads.

And it’s not just a different schedule; the community of Lutheridge is different than what I experience day-to-day.  Complete strangers smile and greet each other.  Friendships form quickly.  People open up to each other and share their life experiences.  Even kids are able to have a little more freedom because 40-50 eyes are watching for any trouble that they might be getting into.  

There’s a real sense of community and that community is rooted in the love of God.  I can feel that love permeating everything from our nightly vespers to the kids playing Gaga ball.

But, of course, this community is only temporary.  We leave this Saturday and head back to our normal, everyday lives.  There’s a sadness in that loss of community.  But I also think there’s a real opportunity in it as well.  I try to remind myself that I can take camp with me.  I can take Lutheridge with me and share it with others – be it a smile to a stranger, holding the door for someone, or taking the time to provide friendship and support to loved ones.  While the physical camp stays in NC, the spirit and love of camp is always with me and available to share with anyone willing to accept it.

I hope these devotions have stirred in you a sense of wanting to spend time at places like Camp Luther and Lutheridge.  It’s never too early to plan a week away to the shores of Lake Erie or the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for a week of rest and renewal in God’s creation.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God” 1 John 4:7