Is Salt Good in a Wound?

Washington D.C. 2013 – Day 3

Now with less pictures!

            We survived our second full day of camp/work. One would think that after the first day with the kids the second would be better and easier, but that was not the case. Everyone was still very tired, very slow by the end of the day.

            It started with the National Zoo. We saw many National creatures including Seals, Bears, Frogs, and Otters. It was a very moving. Or maybe it was the kids who were very moving… that is moving from one place to the next. They started with a lot of complaints about going to the zoo and then were as happy as can be at the zoo and ended with complaints about going back to the church. I cannot figure out what actually makes them happy and I don’t think I ever will.

            The work crew pulled up a carpet in the Pastor’s office, replaced windows, and got to know a local Hardware store. I have received numerous complaints from them about the existence of stairs and ladders and how they all should be removed. It is better on the knees (or so I am told).

            The kitchen folks were nowhere to be seen – something about a treasure map.

            In our evening devotional one of our youth asked the question, “where did you see God helping you today?” It is a great question, one that makes you think of those moments of vulnerability, and there were many moments of vulnerability. There were moments when folks were pushed by the kids to a point where all reasonable responses were lost, but something brought a sense of calm. There were moments when trying to fix windows or figure out the floor lead to moments of anger, but something brought peace.

            I don’t think we tend to consider those moments as moments of vulnerability. These are those moments when we get so angry that we tend to become combative and our armor goes up. That is because a wound has been touched, opened, and we are backed into a corner. We find ourselves in these places and I believe it is the work of God that brings us to a place of peace where we do not feel so threatened. From what I heard that is what many of our group experienced today. It is a good thing to know that we are in places where we are vulnerable and good to hear that many of us are experiencing the pull of the Holy Spirit and responding. Even if it has been a long and hard day, because we are aware of God’s presence I would say that it has been a good day.