Laying here in a tent just outside the gates of Carowinds at “Camp Wilderness” with my daughter as the temperature begins to drop and as she sleeps peacefully wrapped up in her fleece pjs, sleeping bag, and blanket — and I’m amazed at how returning to a simpler way of life has proven to be so enjoyable for the two of us.
We had a blast seeing up the tent together and getting everything squared away. It wasn’t a chore, but wad something fun that we were able to do together, and she was great at it! And this wad much different than the two times wee have captured in the back yard where mommy could bring us anything we wanted. But we still had electricity and running water this time, so she wants to go camping up in the mountains next. Wow! I’m loving this!
And even so, we looked at the little pop up campers near us and realized the set up and tear down time that they save versus a “real tent” like ours — and we were already making grand plans for “some day”. Lol.
I’m just thankful for the bonds that are being strengthened, the memories being built, the foundations being laid in her childhood so that maybe I can be there with her through more than just cold mornings in a tent during her childhood — but maybe also trying times through adolescence and beyond.
And I pray that she sees in my life, not just my words — this dwelling place that we have with the Lord that od’s greater than any house or home built by the hands of men. And I pray that you do as well. And I pray that I never forget. Amen.
2 Corinthians 5:1-5 ESV
For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
Harold J. Ballinger 