If You Love Something ...

... set it free. If it comes back, it is yours.

I guess my kids are MINE! They are back from camp. Everyone is safely tucked in their own beds now - and I'm working on stinky, damp camp laundry because tomorrow my kids are going to their grandparents' house for a few days. I am not ready to give them up again, but this is the only time they could have them stay before school starts again.

This week was harder on me than I thought it would be. I was sure I'd enjoy my free time, my "me" time - and get a lot done. Instead, I sat on the couch or on my bed a lot and read and scrolled through pointless TV channels (it is true that there isn't much GOOD on tv these days). I was restless and aimless - unfocused and unsettled.

Dan didn't call me on Thursday - and he truly was continually busy with his campers. However, this morning he called and said Anna had gotten sick in the middle of the night on Wednesday. I don't know why - but it really made me want to cry. My baby was sick, and I wasn't there to help her (not that I enjoy cleaning up throw up - but she's MY baby). I am so incredibly thankful for the wonderful counselor who took care of her - got her showered, washed her bedding, etc. And thankfully, it wasn't a stomach bug - probably just something she ate or just being sunburned and over tired. She was fine the rest of the time - well, except when her leg started bleeding in the pool, and they had to make sure the area was clean again before the kids could get back in the water (sigh). No one will want to be the girls' sponsor next year if my daughter goes back to camp! :)

(Oh and as a side note: Andrew's team - the loser Indians - LOST the entire camp competition, as true to their name. BUT my son came home smiling anyway. Good for him!)

My husband was able to talk to a few of his campers about the Lord and having a relationship with Him. That is truly the MOST important thing that happened all week as several children accepted Christ into their lives as Savior. There were many kids at the camp who weren't from a Christian home and who ride a church bus each Sunday without their parents. Many of these children have not heard or understood what Jesus provided for them - eternal life! a plan for their lives! and Someone who cares for them more than they will ever understand!

So, lesson learned: I don't have to be a control freak - God is in control even when I can't be. He doesn't allow anything to happen to His children that isn't in His perfect will and plan. I know that - but it's good to see it in action & be reminded. I can trust Him with my children when I can't be there with them, to protect and care for them. I think this thought will become more precious to me each year as they get older and closer to going out on their own.