Nice options. Loved the nurse's response with her own children. Love spoiling my grandkids when they'll let me know. Letting them participate in the choice-making makes them easier to get along with
My wife and I are temporarily directing a Presbyterian Camp in northeastern PA that has fallen on hard times as has been the case with countless churches and camps across the country. This camp is located in the Endless Mountains and looks out upon a stunningly beautiful mountain ridge while sitting on the scenic Susquehanna River. I've visited numerous camps over my years in church camping but consider this one of the most awe-inspiring. But now it is vastly underused, and our job is to manage the property, staff, program while simultaneously attempting to kickstart the whole operation to somehow return, even just a little, to the glory days of 20 years ago.
Because we are so in need of campers and user groups, I try to always say "yes" to accommodate their needs and wants. The group here now is the Larpers (Live Action Role-Playing). "Someone who re-enacts fantasy scenarios by dressing up and taking a character role. Apparently these folks don't just like Dungeons and Dragons, they carry foam swords around, pretend to fight other LARPers and take the whole thing semi-seriously." They call the camp Sacred Ground while they are here.
Not exactly the kind of group we might have hosted years ago, but "beggars can't be choosy". So we find the good in what they are doing: live drama, friendly human interaction, reenactment of great literature (sometimes), escape from daily existence in the real world, etc. Why not? If it enables the camp to continue its miinistry of service and hospitality a little while longer. We might even find we can show lovingkindness in a rather unorthodox and unexpected fashion. And everyone is better off as a result.
Beautiful, read this in the early morning hours waking beside a sick child. It is so true, our modus operandi has become to hunker down. And the lot of the world does not help. Taking a risk, deciding for life, has become harder when staying put feels easier. Mulling exactly this question these days I might resort to a coin toss 😇
Well said. When I lead youth trips, I would teach the other leaders that are default answer should strive for yes. Can we say yes more than no? Can we make the trip better by sharing good will? Sometimes no is necessary but yes builds better youth.
Nice options. Loved the nurse's response with her own children. Love spoiling my grandkids when they'll let me know. Letting them participate in the choice-making makes them easier to get along with
Right? We all want choices!
My wife and I are temporarily directing a Presbyterian Camp in northeastern PA that has fallen on hard times as has been the case with countless churches and camps across the country. This camp is located in the Endless Mountains and looks out upon a stunningly beautiful mountain ridge while sitting on the scenic Susquehanna River. I've visited numerous camps over my years in church camping but consider this one of the most awe-inspiring. But now it is vastly underused, and our job is to manage the property, staff, program while simultaneously attempting to kickstart the whole operation to somehow return, even just a little, to the glory days of 20 years ago.
Because we are so in need of campers and user groups, I try to always say "yes" to accommodate their needs and wants. The group here now is the Larpers (Live Action Role-Playing). "Someone who re-enacts fantasy scenarios by dressing up and taking a character role. Apparently these folks don't just like Dungeons and Dragons, they carry foam swords around, pretend to fight other LARPers and take the whole thing semi-seriously." They call the camp Sacred Ground while they are here.
Not exactly the kind of group we might have hosted years ago, but "beggars can't be choosy". So we find the good in what they are doing: live drama, friendly human interaction, reenactment of great literature (sometimes), escape from daily existence in the real world, etc. Why not? If it enables the camp to continue its miinistry of service and hospitality a little while longer. We might even find we can show lovingkindness in a rather unorthodox and unexpected fashion. And everyone is better off as a result.
That's a nice exercise in saying yes!
Sounds like a part of the Kingdom of God to me, Jim.
Thank you, Mary. For the story, and for the recommendation of the book. And for your wisdom. Kalamazoo!
Thanks! And the book is fun. See what you think.
Beautiful, read this in the early morning hours waking beside a sick child. It is so true, our modus operandi has become to hunker down. And the lot of the world does not help. Taking a risk, deciding for life, has become harder when staying put feels easier. Mulling exactly this question these days I might resort to a coin toss 😇
Let me know how it works out!
Well said. When I lead youth trips, I would teach the other leaders that are default answer should strive for yes. Can we say yes more than no? Can we make the trip better by sharing good will? Sometimes no is necessary but yes builds better youth.
I love that!
Absolutely! And no putting it off, either!
Good advice!