Contentment from a Staff Perspective

Something that becomes clear to me when I am at Greystone is just how content I feel. Not only I feel this sense of contentment, but the rest of the staff and the 500+ campers at Greystone feel it too. In the camp bubble, we are safe. We are safe from the stress, worries, competitions and heartache that we sometimes experience during the school year. This is so freeing! To spend my summer in a place that is safe, fun, relaxed and structured at the same time makes me so content. Being in a place where Christ is the center of all that we do day in and day out provides an atmosphere for the Lord to bring contentment to our souls.

As a counselor, this contentment is perhaps more obvious. As a college student, my semesters at home are spent trying to balance a whirlwind of studying, student ministry, socializing with friends, studying some more, sorority life, sleeping, eating and anything else that needs to be done. This past semester in particular was a difficult one for me. I am a big worrier and love being in control. I worry about my grades, my future, my commitments… but here at Greystone I am freed from those worries, and the campers and other counselors are freed as well. We are able to rest in the goodness of the Lord and can feel contentment. Sure, life at camp isn’t perfect. We get tired and cranky sometimes, and we can get frustrated with one another occasionally, but for the most part our troubles and worries are stripped away in this place, and contentment takes its place.

“Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:3-4

These verses from Psalms are an encouragement and an instruction to all of us here at Greystone. In this slice of heaven, this pure delight, we are free to “dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.”

We are instructed to enjoy this safety and contentment! What a gift!

Last week at Corn Roast I got to watch my campers and their friends from other cabins enjoy this contentment and rest the Lord brings us. The girls danced to music freely. They twirled each other around and smiled from ear to ear. They were content. It is a true gift from the Lord to have the ability to trust Him and enjoy who He is and what He offers us.

Camp is a sweet place to be right now. The Lord is teaching me to be content right where I am, and your girls are a big part in showing me His goodness in that.