Even if the fig tree does not bloom
and the vines have no grapes,
even if the olive tree fails to produce
and the fields yield no food,
even if the sheep pen is empty
and the stalls have no cattle—
even then,
I will be happy with the Lord.
I will truly find joy in God, who saves me.
1The Lord Almighty is my strength.
He makes my feet like those of a deer.
He makes me walk on the mountains. [Habakkuk]
We only scarped the surface of this message which has incredible depth. We tend to tread lightly, even if we’re incredibly brave or insane.
This was the theme of our family camp this weekend. We, the parents, are so wrapped up in the tangible mundane responsibilities of caring for children and nurturing a life-giving relationship with our spouse, I think we were all too afraid to look closely at the essence of Habakkuk’s point.
And yet, if we embrace the Truth (like Aslan the Lion: not safe but good) we shan’t live in in fear anymore (fear of loss or nothingness).
I spent the weekend with 18 families with kids, average age of the 40 kids: 5 years old. We had rain, we had sun, hikes and sweat, yelling, crying, laughing, singing, zip lining, jumping, crafting. We had sugar galore. A movie night. And delicious food. + rest. It was s church outing. Memorable and soul soothing. There was joy in the chaos. And there was abundant love …in a mother’s hug, in a daddy’s serving. And genuine interest in another’s life. Feeling energized!
The first evening, after a delicious copious dinner, we gathered and introduced ourselves, we played silly games, involving the parents, and I laughed so much! The therapy though laughter works!
Kids prayed often, before meals, before the camp started. Jackie prayed. And she always touches my heart when she speaks her heart in prayer in public. “Dear Jesus, thank you for my mommy and daddy. And thank you for my dog. Amin.”
Beni F. a wise pastor I love, was there with his wife for stories and life sharing. His granddaughter, overhearing her daddy’s conversation about a conference around how to speak eloquently about God’s existence. His granddaughter, overhearing the conversation said: “daddy, of course God exists”. to which her dad replied: “Indeed. But how do you prove he exists!” The repose of the 8 year old girls took my breath away. She said: “Daddy. You are my proof!”