That last few Sunday’s I have not thought much about my church family back home. I have been too busy traveling, settling in, adjusting to this 6-week lifestyle, which took more time than I expected. I have wonderful people to fill in for me and I know everyone is enjoying hearing someone else and/or having a break of their own.

 

Today is different. As I sit with my coffee under the tall trees, I am imagining everyone getting ready for church. I think about each person who might come and the pianist for the day. What hymns will they sing? I think also about the fellowship treats–are they having chocolate without me? I miss everyone dearly.

Thoughts of everyone being in church made me realize that I have not done ANY type of worship, other than the awe I feel when I look at my surroundings. I read worship-related things but it is not the same.

Today I feel overwhelmed with thanks and offer my list. I offer thanks for:

1. Health

2. People who are working to rejuvenate our beetle-decimated forests

3 My dog and best buddy, Tango

4.The material possessions that make this trip possible

5. Parents who take their kids camping

6. This opportunity for rest and renewal

7. People who read my blog

8. Camp Host volunteers who keeps things clean and tidy

 

I ask forgiveness for:

1. Judging others

2. Selfishness

 

And I offer part of my favorite Psalm, so appropriate for this setting. This is from the Message translation. I love all the translations, but this morning the Message speaks loudest:

Psalm 19: 1-6