What I learned this summer...

Another summer gone. As I look back on the past three months I have to smile. Although many times during the summer I was not smiling. I learned a lot and grew a lot. Recently a few people have commented that I must be glad summer is over. I typically have paused and thought through the last 13 weeks, smile and say no. As crazy as it was. As stressed as I was. As tired as I was...I actually miss it. I miss the noise and the music. I miss the laughter and yes even the confrontations that have made me stronger. Here is a list of a few things that I learned this summer (both good and bad)



1. Music. Shut up and Dance can be over played...by every single group! And you will not be able to concentrate when groups are playing it 10+ times a day right outside your office window. Give up...there is no point in fighting it. Just sing along.
2. Get filled. It is hard to get time off during the summer months. I find myself behind the scenes not wanting to step on the groups toes. But when they invite us to their chapels they really enjoy it when we show up and can be a part of what God is doing. Taking time on Sunday's to go to church even if I have to leave a few minutes early is also totally worth it!
3. Find the line. It is hard for me to find the line between friend and someone who is supervising. I want to invest but I also need time to invest in my friendships off site. Finding the balance between the two, especially during the summer is difficult.
4. God time is CRUCIAL. Starting off each day with prayer, a devotion or even listing things we are thankful for can make or break a day and how we approach situations.
5. Find an outlet. At camp I am a sponge. I absorb all the problems and I just let it sit until it explodes out at a group leader (unfortunately, but quite humorous). I am learning to try and find an outlet. Someone off camp who can keep me grounded and pray for me when I can't find the words myself.
6. DELEGATE. Yes, I can carry an 8 ft ladder across camp for the group but so can summer staff and they have time to do it.
7. Rest. God did it. We need it...so do it! Hammocking in the woods away from everything for an hour, every once in a while, is not lazy it's time to refuel. It's ok to say no hanging out with staff if you need sleep (even if they call you an old grandma ;p)
8. Be flexible. Plot changes are fun! And stress is what makes us think everything needs to be done at that exact moment. Especially when there are 37 things to do at once. I'm learning to breathe and take things one at a time and to spread the responsibilities so then everything can get done.
9. Become un-focused. I get in a zone sometimes. I get so wrapped around everything that has to get done and everything that is going wrong I sometimes forget to look at the bigger picture. No matter how crazy it gets God works in the unexpected.
10. Family. Your siblings will be the hardest to work with. "She is my sister..wait my boss...wait no my bossy older sister...and I have to listen to her?!"

11. Have fun with the staff. They were incredible this year and I had a blast hanging out with them during work and even after. Taking the time to hear their stories and what they have been through to get here is incredible. To be a part of what they learned over the summer is always life changing.
12. Patience. With yourself and others. If I can give grace to others why is it harder to accept it myself?

13. Oh goodness... Don't leave your favorite sweatshirt and shirt lying around, the group will take them thinking they are their campers...although it says QRC staff on it. They will also take random vases from your conference building. (but luckily they mailed them all back!)

This summer was a learning experience and I do not miss the 2 am phone calls and random requests but I would not trade it for the world. I figured out better ways to manage and take charge of things. I am also figuring out where I am strong. Lives were changed this summer and I wouldn't have it any other way. Maybe I will even keep the 2 am phone calls. ;)