Unlovable

We’re all unlovable at some point or other. We all get so tired we could cry, we could scream, we could drive recklessly, we could break plates. And we all experience others in this state. But here’s where we learn about loving people in their lowest.

Instead of responding to nasty sarcasm and rude comments with the same, I’ve tried to let that flash in the pan anger reside and respond with kindness.

“Kill ‘em with your kindness.”

The thing is Jesus was serious when he said to turn the other cheek. It’s so easy to let anger get the best of you, to let your selfish side flare like a frill neck lizard as you feel injustices go from a seed to a tree. It’s ok to let people know they have hurt you, but to respond with the same actions is just creating an endless funhouse mirror of bitterness.

Contrary to popular belief, showing kindness in the face of hate is not weak but rather a sign of strength, which the Lord gives when love seems to be the last thing we can do.

(via http://awelltraveledwoman.tumblr.com/)

Stuff Campers Say: Summer Camp Edition

This past weekend we had our first leadership weekend in order to brainstorm and plan for the upcoming summer. It made me reminisce about summers past at a little camp in Minnesota where the kids are just as honest and forthright as any.

So here we go with Stuff Campers Say…Summer Camp Style!

(To a camper who is devouring her chocolate cakes minus the use of her hands):
“That is the most unwomanly thing you could be doing right now.”

“I’m too cute to sweat.”

“Is anyone here armed in case of bear attacks?”

“There are so many campers that have unflattering pictures of me now.” “Oh yeah, I totally took one of you while you were sleeping with your mouth open.”

“You expect me to swim in a lake that has live animals in it?”

“Why does Ali eat the apple seeds?” “So she won’t die of cancer.” “Yeah, but she’s going to die of a tree growing in her stomach!”

Ali-the-apple-seed-eater and I at Big Sandy Camp, 2011.