Camp Community
Kass Unger of Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia
If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. -James 1:5-6
As part of my ministerial role in Australia I am involved in organizing and running camping ministries. Last year the camp included about twenty youth, a third of whom had never been to youth camp before.
It is always a relatively awkward bus ride because people cling to those they know best. Repeat campers might be a little more willing to integrate, but there is always anxiety among the youth about fitting in. At dinner that night we were widely spaced around five tables. By breakfast the following morning we were down to four tables. Lunch the following day had us comfortable around three, and by dinner that night we were most uncomfortably squeezed around two tables. There was much discussion about how we could manage to fit around one table.
This is what community is, especially in the Community of Christ. It is forgoing elbow space and comfort not only to be with each other, but also to make sure everyone has a place at the table. It is sharing our lives together amidst conversations of “Game of Thrones,” “Dr. Who,” and science puns. It is making those who are first experiencing Christ and the church know that they are welcome and that we are blessed because they have chosen to join us. It is sharing the love of God as we work, worship, and play together-and it is always one of my highlights from camp.
Prayer Phrase
“Be vulnerable to divine grace” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 163:10b).
Spiritual Practice
This month, spend time each day noticing where divine grace is already pouring forth. Perhaps it is a simple awareness of creation’s systems and cycles that support our daily existence. The sun rises each day without being asked. There are underlying rhythms and relationships that hold the fabric of our lives together. Sometimes they fall into the background of our lives. We forget to see the natural generosity that spills over throughout our days-of the planet, the people we love, the Sacred Presence in all moments, the kindness of strangers we encounter, and the gifts we carry within. What is already being given in your life? What does it look like to be vulnerable to divine grace today?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
