| COMMENTARY 
Andrews | Everything I need to know I learned at West River camp this summer BY SARAH MARIE ANDREWS - Pool drains can hold many little dead frogs. People and situations are seldom what they appear from afar. Humans are marvelously adept at hiding their scars and weaknesses. Strive to be truthful in your own life and merciful towards others. Pull out your own frogs, and while acknowledging the frog in your neighbors drain, give her time to pull it free.
- A sombrero is an effective means of catching a bat. Be open to the unexpected. God has an amaing sense of humor. He will use the most unexpected people and the most unimaginable experiences to change and mature you. Try not to resist.
- Hey, God, is an appropriate way to begin a prayer. God is more than we could ever imagine and closer than we could dare to dream. If you lose all else, hold ever firmly to God. Approach God with fear and trembling, but know he is always Abba, our loving daddy.
- Thrown knives can go straight through Sheetrock. Know who you are so you can really be a part of the lives of others. Be careful of overpowering those around you. No matter how good your intentions, your force could shatter another.
- Make sure you air out clothes that have been in the river. Stinky is bad. Be vigilant in your personal and spiritual growth. If you allow your weaknesses and mistakes to fester, you will lose any benefit or growth you would have gained. You will get dirty. Learn to identify your mud, find the Source of Cleanliness and move on.
- A little bit of glitter can cover a lot of the floor in the nature center. Too much of a good thing can mess up your life as much as any amount of a bad thing. Prevent yourself from dwelling in one place or on one thing. God gave us many craft supplies; learn to use and appreciate as many as possible.
- Boats will break. Life will catch you unaware. Trust, in these frustrating times, that God will send you gbwc_superuserance and help. You may have to call the sea-tow, but by Gods grace, it will come.
- If you dont get back from pranking at nearby Camp Wabana until 3 a.m., you will be tired the next day. Have fun. Enjoy life. But always remember that we live in a world with consequences. These consequences cannot be avoided. Take at least some time (by no means a great deal of time) to consider the long-term outcomes of your present behavior and lifestyle.
- Jet skiers can make banana boating much more difficult. Sometimes people will get in your way. This will happen in many different ways, for a variety of reasons, and often unintentionally. Try not to get too upset. You will just have to go a bit slower, be more careful, and keep yourself focused. These people may not go away, but you can avoid running into them.
- Dave can fix anything. Throughout your life, you will meet people who offer you the exact advice or help you need at that moment. Be open to these people and to following their advice.
- Its all in the woods. Often, life will be utterly confusing and terribly frustrating. You will feel like you are lost in the woods maybe even on a snipe hunt on a dark and damp night. The trees around you will seem overwhelming and the path below your feet will feel like it is shifting and shaking. It is just at this moment, however, that Gods spirit is most present in your life. If you listen closely, you will hear it saying, Yes, you are caught in the dark, frightening woods, but its just the woods, and the calm safety of the dining hall or the nature center is just a few steps further.
- It just doesnt get any better than this. When all is said and done, a life in Christ beats all the available alternatives no matter what is thrown in our way.
Sarah Marie Andrews is a first-year student at Duke Divinity School and the daughter of the Rev. Rick Andrews, Brooklyn UMC. |
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