We’re on a family camp out ~ we’ve anticipated this adventure for some time. We’re actually joining 200+ homeschooling families in a week long ‘Family Camp’ in the piney woods of East Texas.
When we set out, I made myself a promise and purposed in my heart that I would remain STRESS FREE during this camping experience.
OK, you’re laughing … I’ll explain.
This ‘promise’ was about ME. I know I tend to get a bit wigged out about little things on camp-outs and I didn’t want my kids to be the victim of my ‘issues‘. So, I asked the Lord to do this in me and through me.
I never intended to be passive – just not bothered on the inside – you know the feeling… every mom does.
Once arrived and hardly settled into our primitive site – guess what happened? R-A-I-N … that’s how the Lord spells ‘test’ for me on a camp-out. I say, ‘OK, I get it … this is a test. I’m not going to get bothered about the wet stuff – EVERYWHERE – the food I’ve prepared that we can’t get to – the clean up (already!) … it’s all small stuff. I have no expectation that things will be easy.’
So far, I’m passing the test – or maybe I’m just a ‘dead woman walking’ – whatever it may be – I’m thankful for peace that passes understanding. I want to be a woman that saves my energy for the bigger things in life.
Don’t count me as a saint … last year we had a torrential downpour on a camp-out. I packed up went home! Best night’s sleep I’ve ever had.
Meanwhile – I’m continuing my journey of recording 1,000 gifts from the Lord for Multitude Monday ~ I know ~ it’s Tuesday … you understand, I’m sure.
11} Campfires – daytime, nighttime, anytime!
12} Friends – young and old
13} The stars in the dark of night – breathtaking …
14} Rain – {yes, I still like rain} Mud? – not so much …
15} S’mores!
16} Sunshine – bursting through the clouds … ‘Welcome Back’
17} The look on babies faces when they’re cuddled in their mother’s arms = safe and secure
18} Our teens laughing by the fire – in the dark
19} Tim’s campout breakfast’s – they’re the best!
20} Wi-fi – I’m a ‘happy camper’ here. 
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Oooh! I wish I was being stress-free by a campfire with you.
That sounds delightful!
It is – ‘cept those samore’s are toooo tempting :0
Oh my! I’m still not ready to attempt camping with a toddler. I’m trying to hold out at least another year. I feel your pain with the rain and trying to not stress in general.
I really, really like you! Praying for the best campout yet!
Thanks! Sounds like you’ve ‘been there’.
How fun to go camping with other homeschool families! A week would definitely push my husband over the edge though, maybe me too.
We had our first family camping experience a few summers ago and we ended up with a couple inches of rain in our tent, so I’m impressed you have remained stress free!