Riding Out the Storm…
We are in tents at training camp, which I don’t mind. That is implied with the word “camp”. However, my headlamp is in storage in Ohio and I don’t even have a flashlight in my little NC apartment…so you can probably guess that I am always reluctant to go on a 2:30 am potty run in the woods. (We drink so much in the Georgia heat.)
Last night, the full bladder woke me up and as I sat up to unzip my tent door, and begrudgingly head out, the thunder rolled. The storm was upon us in seconds. No rain, just cracks of lightning striking as close as the woods next to us.
Because of my mother’s traumatic experience with lightning in her youth (coupled with the medical problem it caused later) I have always had a healthy respect for lightning. Don’t get me wrong, I love to sit in my home, listening to rain and thunder while sipping on a hot tea. BUT CAMPING IN IT? That’s way beyond my comfort zone.
The lightning gets so bad on the mountain where I work, that protocol is to clear all the guests out of the animal habitats and run back to the office for cover. Our fences are very good conductors of lightning.
Even though the odds are low to actually get struck, my logical brain didn’t see the point of continuing to stay outside. I spoke with a squad leader about grabbing our gear and heading inside the conference center for cover, but he said there was no need. He said that it would hit the trees instead of us and that he already prayed for us to be protected by Jesus.
My jaw dropped! I know God saved Daniel from the lion’s den, but that doesn’t mean we all jump in one to test it…and that is what this felt like to me. Like we were being reckless and expecting God to cover us for it.
Side Note: God has been showing me a lot about my attitude lately. Prepping me to be a good team member, I suppose. One thing God has been doing is immediately pointing out my wrong thinking so that it can’t steep in my soul over time.
The storm began to lull as I lay in my tent praying. I prayed an apology for my lack of trust in Him and in the leadership. God has placed them above me, and I need to trust that God leads their choices and even protects me from the consequences of their choices when/if they make mistakes.
I found at that moment that bravery isn’t not being afraid. Bravery is having the faith to do what is right in the face of our fears. I decided to be brave and trust /respect/not second-guess the authorities that God has placed over me, despite the storm outside. (A GOOD THING TO REMEMBER ON THE MISSION FIELD)
When I woke up the following morning, I was well rested. I was told that after the lull, the storm got bad again, but by God’s grace, I slept through it all. I thank him for that and for the growth I see in myself these days.
For a short video see: http://carolinesadventuresinlife.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-video-from-training-camp.html
