Amber Staehle: Finding God in the Chaos of Summer

Director of Christian Education and Family Life Amber Staehle reflects on connecting with God in a busy season.

Faithful Family,  

Summertime can be so much fun. A whirlwind of vacations, outdoors, water, and camps keeps us on our toes! 

While I often see children, youth, and their families regularly during the school year; in the summer, it is much more sporadic! There are just times we simply get caught up in the activities, the fun, or even the stress of it all. 

One thing is for sure about summer, we always have our fair share of campers and this year was no different going to Camp Egan. We sent six Youth, seven Children, one youth L.I.T. (Leader in Training), and one Dean – me!  I learned something from the youth and children we sent to camp, something I am certain the adults at camp are familiar with. When we put God first, it is easy to see how he is all around us. So often we are consumed by how we can include more of Him in our day and yet, He is already here!  Christ is all around us in a living and breathing form. In the bodies of believers, the gusts of wind and even in the morning songs of birds.  

We heard it when children cried to praise music and their excitement at finding crawfish.   
We saw it when leaders became healers and children overcame their fears.   
We smelled it in the oaky breeze and wet shoes on the way home.  
We tasted it in the lovingly prepared meals and the pool water.  

I was told by our church kids that they never wanted to leave, that they wish they could have stayed longer. What a blessing if our faith life looked this way; wishing for one more song, one more testimony, one more scripture and never wanting to really leave. We had brave campers this year, that took the time to find that God has always been all around when we slow down enough to think of Him first. Sometimes putting our fears aside and embracing what is already here can be a real blessing.  Faith family, I want nothing more than to see you embrace Christ around you. In the smallest details, He has always existed. Can you find Jesus? 

With love and blessings,  
Amber Staehle  
Director of Christian Education and Family Life