A little preview of the summer

Last weekend, the 2011 directors* met at Cumberland Pines for their annual retreat. For support staffers, Directors Weekend is the unofficial start of staff training, the place where we begin assembling the team that will provide the leadership for the summer. It's an exciting time. It's a fulfilling time. It's always an energetic time.

[*One of us was there in spirit. I'm not going to tell you who. Her name starts with a "B" and rhymes with schmetzy.]

For me, the weekend provides a taste of what the summer holds and leaves me craving more. The 6 weeks between this retreat and the summer are long, tedious, and overwhelming for us in the support staff office*. So being able to turn my full attention to one of the major reasons why this ministry exists (to train Christian leaders) is refreshing.

[*We end up wearing half a dozen hats throughout the end of the spring. We still have groups in camp that are requiring our attention. Camp improvement projects are needing to be finished. Final plans for training summer staff are going on. And churches are needing support. If ever you want to come help us, now is the time!]

But the most refreshing part of the weekend is walking away with the feeling that God has placed in our midst the best possible team of people to pull off the work he has laid out for us to do. I find myself humbled to be present with these people who give not just time or talents, but who will give their whole beings to make sure MTOP happens*.

[*And when I say "MTOP happens", I mean that in the sense that we are all here for the same reason Jesus was: for the sake of the world, for those people who need to know his presence.]

I am in awe how God works through the ordinary and practical things to work everything out for the good for those of us he has called. And so, I cannot wait for the summer to arrive...