The days of our youth

            On the heels of another edition of our annual summer youth retreat, I find myself reflecting on the challenges that confront our young people in our current culture.  Sometimes we who are older grow more and more pessimistic with age.  If we are not careful we can easily become a poster geriatric for cynicism.  It is encouraging to see our younger ones relishing time together with people of strong faith.  Our summer youth camp comes with lots of fun and games, but that’s not the main attraction of our Camp 2:52.

            The focus of our summer youth retreat has always been on drawing nearer to God.  Time spent in praising our God (Ps.66:1-2);  Bible study and small group discussions (Acts 17:11);  Memorizing scripture (Ps.119:11);  Singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord (Eph.5:19);  Petitioning The Father and praying with & for each other (Philp.4:6);  Bible Bees (2Tim.3:16-17);  Journaling (Ps.19:14);  Star-gazing (Ps.19:1-2);  “Rejoicing with those who rejoice, and weeping with those who weep” (Rom.12:15).  Encouraging one another (1Thess.5:11);  Quite time (Ps.46:10);  Dwelling together in unity (Ps.133:1);  Learning to harness our heart and tongue so as to speak kind words to others - - “that it may give grace to those who hear” (Eph.4:29);  Teachings about the importance of being “clothed with  Christ” (Gal.3:27).  All of these elements are WHAT MAKES OUR CAMP SO VERY SPECIAL. 

            None of us know for certain what the future may hold.  But we can rest in the thought that we are wisely investing in the future.  Lots of time, energy and funds have been poured into our SYR over the last four decades.  I cannot help but feel confident that God is pleased with our stewardship.  After all, “children are a gift of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Ps.127:3).

                                                                                                                        Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ