C.S. Lewis once wrote: "But, for a Christian, there are, strictly speaking, no chances. A secret Master of the Ceremonies has been at work. Christ, who said to the disciples "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you," can truly say to every group of Christian friends "You have not chosen one another but I have chosen you for one another."
After a quick but always worth it trip to camp, I was dreading the 4 hour drive back. After the 4 (seemed like 10) hour drive back, I was pulling into a friend's place to stay because it took off an extra hour and was a shorter distance to school...fantastic idea in my tired and sleep deprived mind. I was pulling into her apartment complex when my phone dinged, telling me I had a text message; a text from a person that I call my friend (hopefully, she thinks of me as a friend as well). Attached to the text message was a prayer and a short yoga video "for times when I need it." I almost started to cry (let's be serious, I did start to cry).
Why?
It has snuck up on me.
Again.
This isn't the first or the last time this has or will happen. I know this thoughtful human being because of camp. Without camp, I would have never been connected to her. It was yet another reminder from God to be thankful for all of the people that have come into my life because of this little place tucked away in the woods.
Philippians 3:1: "I thank my God every time I remember you."
It's funny when I think about the friendships that I have made over the years. To the girl that is now my best friend, I remember leaving camp one summer thinking, "Wow, I wish I could have gotten to know her better. I really think we could have been friends." Fast forward a couple of years, and I was given that very opportunity.
To the amazing friend who just happens to be a pastor that I was able to call on when I went through my season of loss last fall (among countless other times...like last night...), I will forever be grateful for her love, support, and willingness to help me through it all.
To every single staff member that I have worked for or with the past several years, they have taught me more about myself than I ever thought was possible.
I always knew the people that I met at camp were special but I don't think I realized how these amazing friendships would come to impact my life. I keep being reminded of this. All the time. Whether it's a text message, a hike in the woods, or laughing hysterically playing on Bimble, I know these people were put into my life for a reason and I thank God for them each and every day.