Sweet Exhaustion

This weekend was The Lighthouse teen retreat. Part of my "job description" when I was hired was to plan youth activities. When Vern told me this, I didn't think much of it one way or the other. I like working with youth, i've spent time traveling to different churches speaking for youth groups, so this part of my job description was definately in my comfort zone.

Last year was my first exposure to The Lighthouse when I chaperoned their fall trip to Edinboro and Niagara Falls. Beth asked me to come along and I was excited at the opportunity to spend time with her, and get away for a nice relaxing weekend. The former happened, and well the latter didn't. That trip opened my eyes to a whole new life experience. Don't get me wrong, the trip was wonderful, and i'm so glad I went, but it was the furthest thing from a relaxing weekend away!

So with that trip fresh in my memory- I had some expectation as to what our trip for this year would be like. Or so I thought. There is a HUGE difference between planning a teen trip, and chaperoning one. Every day I appreciate and admire Beth more when I learn and see more and more that she is responsible for. Before I was hired, Beth was in charge of a whole lot of the things I now do- youth trips being one of those things.

Throughout the planning process of this trip, I tried so hard to have everything perfect and taken care of. From our activities, our camp reservation, chaperon assignments- I had a plan for it all. Personally, I believe that organization is next to godliness. I know, some find it ridiculous, but knowing what is going to happen and what to expect has a calming affect on me.

Saturday finally came, the kids arrived, and no lie, I secretly started to panic on the inside. Even though my plans were laid out, I felt completely incapable and inadequate. I started second guessing everything I had worked so hard on! What if everyone hated the camp? What if the Just Ducky boat sank? What if the kids break everything they see at the museum? What if no one bonded? What if everything I say to them is non-sensical?

These thoughts were my companions Saturday morning. Then something really great happened.

The trip.

I cannot even begin to tell you how smoothly, seamlessly and wonderfully the trip went. And it was all in spite of me! It taught me a lesson that all God truly needs to accomplish His purpose is a willing vessel. Things just fell together this weekend, and while I was literally exhausted when I got home last night, it was the most pleasant exhaustion i've ever felt.