Worship Wednesday - New Today

 For the past few weeks, I have heard my four-year-old say the words, "I hate my..." and it breaks my heart and makes me mad because it never fails it is something she is very blessed to have. This morning when she decided she didn't like her shoes anymore because her sock was twisted, I knew we had to find a new perspective. And as I talked to her, I realized I have been doing the same thing. 

It has been six months, almost seven since camp was filled with people. It has been almost four months since I ate in the dining hall. I miss the counselors and the campers. I miss the noise. I actually miss all of the car doors shutting right in front of my house during naptime. Ok, maybe I don't miss that but I do miss the people. I haven't seen a quilter since February. I find myself staring at the walls in the Welcome Center struggling to find a reason to even be at work today! 

This morning, I decided that I needed to teach my daughter how to be grateful. A lesson, that I forget is mine to teach as a parent. So we talked about how even our tiny bedroom is a blessing because somewhere this morning another four-year-old woke up on the street or in their car because they don't have a house. Today my four-year-old's world was broadened a little. When I got to work this morning I took a little walk in the brisk fall air before I settled in at my desk. How quickly we take things for granted!

Today is an absolutely beautiful fall day. And I work at one of the most glorious places on Earth. I have felt so guilty these past few months because I am here, and others can't be. It feels sometimes like I can't count it as a blessing because it is the one thing that everyone else misses. But I should be counting it as the utmost blessing. 

As I walked around the camp this morning, a new song from the radio started playing in my head. "Your mercies are new today." New Today by Micah Tyler was released during this pandemic and the first time it played I had tears in my eyes. It is so easy to be stuck in the pain, stress, and anxieties of this time. Social Media is disastrous and everywhere we look people are hurting and it seems like the world is just cracking under the chaos. 

So what are the blessings of today? Where is God's grace shining through in your life? Here are a few for Camp Horizon. In a season of quiet and stillness!

1. No one got sick at our camp this summer!
2. We have made a technological shift during this season, and are saving so much paper!
3. We have internet that years ago we dreamt about and this has kept us in touch with everyone during this time. 
4. Our online store has become a blessing and we have enjoyed seeing how much people still want to interact with us.
5. Many people donated their money rather than taking a refund. 
6. Our lights are still on and we are still hopeful.
7. We are working on a new website!
8. The grounds may be overgrown a bit but they are still as beautiful as ever.
9. Our volunteer Ron has been a huge blessing and he is working on things that we never have time to do.
10. We have the blessing of peaceful days and quiet hours.

The world is running at an insane pace, and we have settled into a quiet one. That is probably the biggest blessing during this time, and the easiest one to focus on negatively. Today, we challenge you to look at the places in your life where you are struggling most and see if you can find where God's mercies are new in your life today!!!!