This is the time of year where many parents nervously or happily send their children to summer camp. My son just came back from a week at Camp Kanata. I think that he had a good time, but these days I don't get many details about his life. A good friend of mine received a heartbreaking note from her son that read something like... I hate it here. I am not having any fun and I wish I could come home now. She was devastated to think her child was miserable and that there was nothing that she could do to rescue him from the situation. Even though we prayed daily, I am certain it was a long two weeks until she could see her son.
The words that were written by this camper seemed to stay with me for days. It was as if he had captured the sentiment that I had been afraid to speak out loud to God. As I Christian, I feel guilty sometimes just saying to my Heavenly Father, "I am not having fun right now. I hate what is happening in my life. Could you please save me from this pain?" On a good day, I choose to write in my gratitude journal or read an inspirational book in an effort to find some peace. Other times, I might overeat, cry, or stay in bed with the covers over my head. Have I lost the ability to be brutally honest with God?
I am sure my friend would have liked her son's note to be filled with stories of adventure and good times, but instead she received his plain, heartbreaking reality. She grieved as a loving mother, she prayed, but she did not bring him home. Sometimes when we honestly cry out to Jesus, He keeps us exactly where we are for a reason. He still loves, listens to our prayers, and weeps when we are sad. But, God has our big life picture in full view. Not a single struggle or ounce of pain will be wasted.
The young camper is home safe and sound, and has continued to reflect on the two weeks he was away. Some of the hardships have started to dim and the thought of returning next year is even a possibility. I chuckle as I think of the stress he caused his mother by writing that letter. However, I learned that true growth and healing can only come when we are willing to admit how we feel to ourselves and those that love us. God wants a personal relationship with his children, and I have no doubt that He CAN handle the truth.
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