| Camping is in Tents... or is it? |
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| Lynn Mastro | |||
| Thursday, 22 November 2007 | |||
 Every year, I look forward to the weekend before Thanksgiving. No, it is not because of a pre-sale at my favorite store! And it is not because Santa arrives at the Mall! It is the weekend that I get to spend with my family at church. For the past 6 years, the weekend before Thanksgiving has represented a time of refreshment and relaxation before the holidays arrive. This year was no different with more fun, fellowship, s’mores, and singing.For me, the camping experience doesn’t truly begin until dusk. This is the time when Gregg, Jeff, and Andy bring their guitars around the campfire to begin singing. We sang songs from the songbook…we sang songs from the secular world…we sang kid’s songs…we even sang ‘Boom-Shaka-Laka-Shaka-Laka-Shaka-Boom’! We were also treated to original songs from our very own members. While all of this singing was going on, the second best thing about camping starts…the roasting of marshmallows! That’s right, I am talking about the gooey goodness of the traditional s’mores. Even though I was only interested in the s’mores, I did notice that people were making hotdogs, baked potatoes, and even biscuits in the fire. A big thank you should go to the men that started the fire and kept the fire going so that everyone could eat while we sang! (Disclaimer - Most people did not eat and sing at the same time, at least no one that I sat near...) Now, after the singing and the eating, most people head to their tents to get some sleep. At this point, I feel I should be honest and tell you that I don’t actually spend the night at the campground. I did stay until 11:45pm, though. A few people were huddled near the campfire, singing songs, telling scary stories, and making everyone laugh with jokes. But, the desire to sleep in my warm, cozy bed and take a hot shower overpowered my brief thought that I would miss out on more fun if I left. The truth is that I did miss out on more fun…but I was back at the campground at 8:30am the next morning…and I was clean!  On Sunday morning, Gregg inspired us with even more singing and an incredible lesson about gratitude. We were also challenged to share with others why we are grateful for them. This made the fellowship afterwards so much more rewarding. Not only was I able to share with my friends why they are so special, but also they shared with me how I have impacted their lives. I was so encouraged, I couldn’t stop smiling. Finally, we had our traditional Thanksgiving feast with turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, veggies, and desserts. Yummy!When all was said and done, it was hard to leave the campground. There were so many fun memories that were made and friendships that were built stronger. I am still encouraged by the love that my church family showered upon me. It makes it so much easier to be grateful for what God has given me. God’s word states in Colossians 3:15-17, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Have a happy holiday season and God bless!
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