I couldn’t believe the excitement that was building as campers waited for their friends arrival at Ability camp in Oklahoma. It was the first camp for special needs adults in the midwest and we were blessed to be part of what would happen that week.
Anticipation mounted as camper and counselors sat in the hot sun anxiously awaiting the moment they would see a familiar vehicle enter the parking lot. Campers knew it would be transporting someone they held dear in their hearts and they were having difficulty containing their excitement. And then it happened! That friend arrived, and stepped out of the vehicle. It was like watching someone walk down the celebrity red carpet at the Oscar Awards. There were cheers, pictures, high fives, waves, shouts and hugs. It was both funny and heart warming to watch.
I can’t help but think that this is how Jesus feels about us. He is anxiously awaiting for the day that we will come home. He is preparing to receive us with open arms and to welcome us with excitement and celebration.
Are we looking forward to the moment that we step onto that street of gold and see Jesus face to face for the first time? Will we walk triumphantly toward Him with our arms open wide ready to embrace our savior? Will we have an acceptance speech ready that recognizes and thanks Jesus for the influence and impact He had on our life? Will we be able to speak at all or will we fall to our knees and just worship Him?
As the week unfolded, I watched both the new and old relationships grow. I took notice of the love and acceptance that was evident in virtually every activity. I watched as campers and counselors encouraged and built one another up. There are so many stories that I could share about the week but I can sum it up this way,
A week at Ability Camp is the closest to heaven that we can get here on earth.
That may be an extreme statement but it’s not about the activities, it’s about the attitudes. Every time I spend a week at one of these camp, it puts life into perspective and reminds me of the acceptance and unconditional love that Jesus has for me. It is now up to me to share that love with others with the same excitement and enthusiasm.