I Timothy 4:12 –

“Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”   AMP

A pleasant Saturday morning distraction –

My Saturday morning study was met with a distraction of flooding memories.  How many times did my kids and I stuff duffel bags, sleeping bags, and plenty of camping gear and clothing?  How many camping lists were checked and double checked in red and blue markings so nothing was missed – the most important item, their Bibles.

The sigh in my heart will forever embrace their anticipation and many songs sung in the car along the way as we started making our way from Denver, past Indian Hills, Tiny Town, and the great fishing hole filled with rainbow trout (mom always grateful for the willing hands offering to clean our catch).

How many countless prayers went with my kids as I asked the Lord for their safety, growth in wisdom, and strength in their walk with him?

Now, today, I envisioned my daughters picking my grandkids up from camp.  Through the past week I anticipated hearing from them.  I was anxious to hear of the fun week of adventure, new friendships established, and a bit of sadness to have the week come to an end as the counselors closed camp.

The ringing of my phone brought me back to the moment –

The voice on the other end was my 14-year-old grandson.  What a joy it was to hear him say, “Hi, Grandma!  Thank you for sending us to Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je.  This was the best week ever!  I asked Jesus in my heart and I’ve been working on not saying bad words, asking God how He can change me, and how I can obey my parents more.”

Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je
(I’d Rather Have Jesus)

Was I smiling on the other end of the phone line?  Was my heart singing and dancing as I rejoiced to hear those words from him?  Was it worth forgoing my personal vacations for the past several years to allow my grandkids to experience a Christian camp? Was it worth waiting to see how God would use the beautiful surroundings, the loving and faithful counselors, and the quiet times of sharing Christ’s love for them?  Was it worth praying for several years the Holy Spirit would open the eyes of their hearts to experience God’s love and forgiveness and someday invite Christ into their hearts?  You bet, on every account!

Lord, please continue to make his path straight amid a generation of young kids who spew out the “f” word repeatedly in a conversation.  Help him to continue to hear Your Words of Truth so they can change his life when circumstances are difficult.   When life settles down a bit, help him to continue to walk in your ways in the midst of his daily struggles.  Guard and guide his journey on the path you have chosen for him.  Light his steps as you reveal the depth of Your love for him.

When his strength fails him, keep him strong in your strength as his firm foundation for the battle ahead as the enemy prowls and seeks to devour and discourage his heart.  Cover him under the shadow of your wings with your unfailing love.  Please, extend your mercy and grace and may he find favor with you.

May he persevere in integrity, truth, and faith found in the Gospel of peace.  May his faith of his salvation found in our Lord, Jesus Christ, quench the flaming missiles of the evil one as he prays in the Holy Spirit.

I cannot make my faith their faith, but I can pray for my grandkids, just as I did for my kids.  May I be a living example of Your love poured out to each one of us who belong to you.  May each one of my grandkids be drawn to Your forgiveness, mercy, and grace.  As they grow, may they make a conscious choice to say, I’d Rather Have Jesus, than anything. (Sung by Jason Crabb)

Thank you, Lord Jesus.

(Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je photo and name used with permission)