Plagued But Perfect.

This week has been...well...a plague of problems.

Ill list them to you as I did at my near breaking point last night.

1. The icemaker broke - who knows why. All that I know is I had my hand trying to break the ice that was clogged up and a rather sharp ice-pick stabbed my hand. Blood. Bandaids.
2. The loud a/c - In the dining hall we have two air conditioners. We have the "quiet a/c" and then we have the "loud a/c." They are rightfully named based off of their performance. The loud one puts off a blast of air. Well it froze up.
3. The monthly problem - I have one word-->females times about 5 campers
4. The attack of the killer bees - OKAY so they were not killer but about eight of the campers rudely aroused a nest of bees that was hiding under their play area. As Chris called the queen, "beyonce," was quickly killed by Joey's gasoline tank. Benadryl was my friend this week.
5. The Poop - yes. It happened again. The boys dorm wasn't draining properly. Shovels, sweat, and later back pain was/is present. Thankfully our plumber friend was able to fix the problem without having to close the camp. I have NEVER been more excited for...well...that kind of flow in my entire life. 
6. The tired children - enough said.

I will not lie when I questioned why I was working here while knee deep in God only knows what.

Until tonight.

It is pouring down raining here and I am thankful for the relaxing sound. The rain drops falling on the roof and the free car wash. 

As everyone knows Thursday night is the last night at camp and thats when the music is awesome, the preaching is it's best, and the campfire is tear jerking. With the rain deciding to make its debut, we had to do campfire in the multi-purpose building (in the words of Lily it is the Murphy Burpess Building). I was bummed at first but then was completely content. The rather talented Dave McCants got up and started playing the Father Of Lights song that I believe every camper has at least heard since Myrtle was still frying the bacon. The song hit me kind of hard when I heard the kids echoing after Dave. The song is an echo song where he says the lines and they repeat it and then everyone joins in at the chorus. 

Father of Lights

You delight,

In your children.

Father of Lights

You delight,

In your children.

Every good and perfect gift,

comes from You.

Every good and perfect gift, 

comes from You.

Father of lights,

You never change,

You have no turning,

Father of lights,

You never change,

You have no turning.

Every good and perfect gift,

comes from You.

Every good and perfect gift,

comes from You.

While I sang the words and looked out to all of the children singing a wave of emotions came over me (which has become kind of normal). I couldn't help but to look around and see all the children individually for just a second. Here, take a look for yourself...

The ones that were super popular this week that had all of the friends and all of the staff loved to be around...perfect. 

The ones that were a little different by being reserved and quiet yet still minding their manners and being polite...perfect. 

The ones that were mischievous and constantly in trouble having to pick up sticks...perfect. 

The few who were born with a few perfect imperfections and needed a little extra love...perfect gift. 

The counselors who had their pasts and still decided to give their time and energy to being at camp...perfect. 

The camp staff who were/are tired, frustrated, yet still standing there singing in unison with the campers we have so desperately poured into as much as we could this week...perfect.

Myself, who is tired, emotional, not perfect in decision making, is still perfect in the eyes of my creator.

All of this being said...I love my job. I get to have a chance at loving on God's perfect gifts week after week. They frustrate me. They smell funny at times. They drop their plates on the floor and spill their drinks all over the place. They're perfect.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."  James 1:17