Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness (gratitude) in your hearts to God.
I’ve been thinking a lot about this verse lately. My journey though Lent this year was a good time of reflection, and much of that reflection has reminded me of how very thankful I am for the blessings in my life and for Camp Luther. So I thought I would compile a list of what I am most thankful for this spring. Here’s my list:
- I’m thankful our March 31 Summer Camp registration report was down just 2%. In a year when the “experts” have predicted a 10-15% decline in summer camp attendance, we are on track to meet or exceed last summer.
- I’m thankful for the opportunity to visit Trinity Lutheran Church in Klein, TX. It was my first job after college. My wise and dedicated co-workers there had a huge influence in my life. I am thankful for those three years in Texas.
- Over 60 college students and over 90 high school students applied for summer staff and junior counselor positions at camp this year. We are thankful and honored that so many outstanding young people want to be a part of the Camp Luther ministry. We consider it a great complement that they would want to serve on our staff.
- I’m thankful for my family.
- I’m thankful for those who support our ministry. A simple request of our donors to fund our Campership program in a year when we are seeing more and more requests for financial aid, has resulted in approximately $16,000 donations. With those funds in place, we believe we will be able to meet all of our campership requests.
- I’m thankful for the dedicated people that I get to work with at Camp Luther and in the North Wisconsin District.
- I am thankful for the good health of my whole family.
- I am thankful for the tremendous friendships that have blessed my life through my association with Camp Luther.
- I am thankful for so many individuals that are willing to serve Camp Luther as volunteers who fix, and build, and clean. And for so many other who serve on committees and tasks forces. They are wonderful blessings to this ministry.
- I am thankful to be able to serve the Lord in ministry in the special place that has made such a huge difference in my life and in my faith…….An opportunity to live an attitude of gratitude.
What are you thankful for? How would like changed if we all focused on what we do have rather than on what we don’t have?
God’s Blessings - Woody