home is where the heart is
written by shannon maupin
I LOVE church camp. I started going to camp up in the mountains when I was 15, and it changed my life, like, forever altered everything about me, my existence, and my eternity.
I climbed on that rickety old church bus having NO idea what to expect up in the mountains. I had been floundering in life, looking for love and acceptance. I found that (and more) at church camp. I found Jesus. He found me.
I decided to get baptized, and my youth minister drew me a little picture that I still carry in my Bible. He explained that it had taken me 15 years to hear, believe, have faith, and decide to follow Jesus. Baptism and dying to myself was the next step on a lifelong staircase of faith, but it wasn’t the last. He challenged me not to stop at baptism but to keep going and live the rest of my life for Jesus. He encouraged me to start reading my Bible and praying every day, and to keep reading and praying, and attending church, and loving others for the rest of my life. I took his advice, and I followed his example as he followed Jesus. I have been following his example for 35 years. Along the way, I’ve experienced seasons of immense joy as well as gut-punching grief. I can honestly say Jesus has been with me every step of the way.
As adults we don’t always get to go to church camp (unless we go as leaders, which is awesome!). It’s always such a joy to see the pictures on social media and the smiles on students’ faces as they give their lives to Jesus and experience the freedom of forgiveness and new life in Christ. I always pray that they will keep going and keep growing in their faith.
If I’m honest though, I occasionally go through seasons where it’s hard to pray and read my Bible. Sometimes I have no words. I’ve had Covid twice in the past six months and truthfully, I’m tired. I don’t feel like the young 15 year old girl who was excited about her life and faith.
A couple of years ago a dear friend introduced me to an app called Lectio 365 that’s based on the ancient practice of Lectio Devina (slowly reading short passages from the Bible and praying through them). I am so thankful for this app because it helps me to pray even when I don’t feel like praying or don’t have the words. God meets me where I am and helps me to keep taking the steps.
I don’t know where you might be today. You might be on a church-camp-like mountain top. You might be so excited about what God is doing in your life, or you might, like me, be tired. You might be sad or lonely or angry or disappointed. Can I encourage you to just take the next step no matter how you feel? Start where you are today and ask God to help you. Keep going.
Read your Bible. Find a plan. Read it on your phone or grab a real one with paper pages. Listen to it. Do whatever it takes. The Word of God will change your life. Just read it.
And then pray. It doesn’t matter whether it’s one sentence or one hour, just talk to God. Write a prayer in your journal, go for a walk and talk out loud. Get on your knees or lie on your face. If you have no words, download the Lectio 365 app, close your eyes, take a deep breath and just listen.
No matter where you are or what you’re going through, God loves you. In fact, He delights in you. He sees you. He cares about you. He will meet you where you are, mountain top or valley. If you need help, ask someone. Start where you are. Just take the next step. Keep going. God is with you.
-Shannon
So many fun camp memories all together over the years!