Camp Reflections

Beloved in Christ,

I spent last week up at Chapel Rock as a chaplain for one of the weeks of Diocesan Summer Camp. 70 middle school and high school youth from all across Arizona were there, along with numerous amazing staff counselors, camp staff, and two other chaplains (Fr. Ben Garren and Archdeacon Amy Bryan).

While there, I learned a lot, and deepened my relationship with the staff who care deeply about creating safe, inclusive, Jesus-oriented spaces! It was incredible.

The mornings were cool, with birds flitting about and chirping joyously, the fresh pine-scented air was refreshing and a lovely respite from the Tucson heat. And during those mornings, as I plodded slowly towards the chapel to pray morning prayer, I found myself drawn into a space of deep gratitude for God’s gift of creation.

The natural world, and the slower pace of life, drew me out of the mental loop of running through lists of things which needed doing (and there are many things which need doing!), and centered me in a space where I could simply be and be a part of something. Something where God was working, gently, quietly, peacefully.

While chatting with my Spiritual Director about this experience, he mentioned how Thomas Merton (beloved monk and contemplative of the 20th century) talked about how we need to learn how to be useless. 

Sabbath, deep rest, involves not doing but being. And being need not have productivity or efficiency attached to it - quite a countercultural notion!

In a world where efficiency and output are a sign of our work-ethic, and in some cases of our worth, this experience was a grateful reorientation.

By the grace of God, I was able to lean into that gentle being while at Chapel Rock. Being with the youth, being with the staff, being with the counselors, being with nature. There were hard moments, and busy moments, of course. But there were moments of deep sabbath, too.

And in that deep Sabbath rest, I was reminded of the words of Christ, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

As we rush about our lives, I pray that we may cultivate a culture of being balanced with a culture of doing. I know I need this reminder frequently, and I suspect I am not alone in this regard!

May Christ, our great peace, help us to enter deep Sabbath rest!

Yours in Christ,

Alex+