This week two of our kitchen staff girls sat in the house with the boys so that I could go down to the campfire. This is a last night of camp event where the campers get a chance to share at a campfire down in the meadow at night. Being a mom, I haven’t gotten to go to campfire for the past three years. But tonight my oldest was attending as a camper and the girls (thank you Toph and Zoey!!!) made sure I got to go.

 

Watching the campfire for the first time as a mom, seeing the kids get up in front of everyone, grab a stick, say something simple or silly or sweet or sad with the gentle glow of firelight shining on their young faces. I realized something.

 

Campfire is vitally important.

 

Not because all of the kids are deep or profound or even serious. But because they are kids, with a simple and innocent faith, standing up in front of their leaders and peers, and testifying for their Lord. Maybe they said—“Thank you God for my Counselors.” Or “I got closer to God this week.” Or “Sasquatch cabin totally rocks and Squirrel cabin is a bunch of rodents!”—but this is big for them.

 

And isn’t this what God sees when we testify for Him. A bunch of His children, doing their best to take a stand, even when they don’t know what the heck they are talking about. Oh, we don’t realize we are being foolish, but He does. And He loves us and knows how big the moment is for us even when we are confused and just a bit silly. God does not look at our outward appearance. He looks at the heart.

 

Just as Kristen-the-Mom looked at all of those young faces and saw what a huge thing each child was doing, God looks at us, all of us, and He knows.

 

Thank you Lord for seeing my simple faith and not just my foibles. Thank you for looking at me in love as I stumble along after you.

 

Boo Boo