Morning Watch Monday: Get in the Game
Morning Watch Mondays
Welcome back to our blog series, written by Matt Sloan, Camp’s Chaplain and Shoulder Season Events Director. These “Morning Watch Mondays” will be posted twice a month. They invite a moment of reflection focused on Christian values, the same way our daily Morning Watch times do during camp in the summer.
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By the time this article is read, a Super Bowl champion will be crowned, and many will have spent most of Sunday with friends & family huddled around a television screen watching the big game! Now it is Monday, and most likely our eyes will be recovering from being bombarded with the glitz and glamor of the swiftly running players and “swifty” cheering fans. Our conversations at school and work will be about a commercial that grabbed our attention or a memorable game-changing play, and our stomachs will be “Super Swole” from the onslaught of nachos, dip, chili, and popcorn for hours on end. All bloating aside, the Super Bowl is such a fun excuse to get together!
However, I will most likely be restless this Monday. I’m not sure how I’ve gotten this way, but the idea of sitting for hours and watching other people play a game is not as appealing as it once was (Maybe this feeling is the result of being a Gamecock fan and not having much football to cheer about for years on end?). Yet as I sit here looking over the upper lake of Falling Creek, across to Morning Watch with the tennis courts and ball fields in the distance, and swim docks and kayaks to my left, I’m fairly convinced I know the reason.
There is a “game” going on in my life that I want to be actively playing! I don’t want life to pass by having watched other people do amazing things. I want my life to be filled with its own amazing stories and adventures, and they are right in front of me!
One of my favorite things about summer camp is that each day is a “call to action”. Every day, boys are encouraged and enabled to take a risk and choose their own adventure by participating in activities and trips. The Roller Coaster isn’t just made to watch other people enjoy - it’s made for each camper to ride! The Climbing Wall isn’t made to simply watch the more skilled campers climb - it’s prepared for each camper at any level to have the chance to give it a shot!
However, this “call to action” is not only true at camp. It is true where you are right now, for all of us! So how do we attack the day today, no matter what is in front of us?
Firstly, remember that the God who made you has gone before you, and He is inviting you to follow Him into the day. He is good, and He can be trusted. He is invested in every single moment that is set before you today.
Secondly, take time to pay attention to your day and make a plan. What is out there for you to do today, and what are you hopeful for? Who is on your team in your life, and is there anyone playing against you?
Lastly, trust that God will sustain you, and go. Take the risk to attack the day with all you’ve got. Remember, it is God who protects you, and who has invited you to follow Him into the day. Do not fear messing up…that will happen! Do not fear succeeding…that will happen as well! You will discover and trust who He is through the things in your day, and you will discover who you are along the way!
Question to Consider:
Who are some teammates in your life? It could be family, friends, or someone working in a group project with you that you barely know. Take some time to identify a few, and I dare you to risk being thankful for them!
Thought of the Day:
“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11