It’s been almost a week since Alyssa and I got back from Training Camp in Gainesville, GA and it’s hard to really put everything that we experienced there into words. Just a few that come to mind — Challenging. Unpredictable. Encouraging. Incredible.
So many thoughts, so many feelings, but I was able to put together 11 truths about Training Camp that I took away from those 11 days that we spent with some really amazing people. Check ‘em out below!
- Vulnerability is key – Open up to people. When you are vulnerable with people, they are more likely to open up to you. Two or more people being vulnerable with each other = deeper relationships, which is what we were created for.
- Community – God is a community Himself (Father, Son & Holy Spirit), and we were each made in His image, which means we were made for community. Made to encourage one another and share each other’s burdens. We cannot do everything all by ourselves. We may like to think that we can, and we may try, but sometimes we need to ask for help, and that’s totally okay. More on this in #7.
“In community our sorrows are cut in half and our joys are doubled.” – Pastor Brandon Samuel
- Comfort is overrated – Sometimes we are living so we can be comfortable enough. How meaningful is our life if comfort is the ultimate goal?! Step outside of your comfort zone. Whether that means exercising before the sun comes up, eating crickets (see for yourself), worshiping when you’re tired and just want to sleep, connecting with God in a way that you normally don’t, engaging in a respectful conversation with someone who has a differing opinion. Whatever gives you that uneasy feeling that makes you just want to retreat to the comfort of your phone and a couch, lean into THAT.
“Comfort based decisions rarely take you where you want to go.”
“There is no growth in your comfort zone and there is no comfort in growth.”
- We can do hard things – When you really dig in and push past the point of comfort (there it is again!), you’ll find that you can do a lot more than you think you can. Don’t doubt or limit yourself. Call on the Lord and your support system for help with this too. (Philippians 4:13)
- It doesn’t matter how you look – And it only kinda matters how you smell. Bucket showers are a thing. They were unfortunately more of a thing than we would’ve liked on those mornings that got down in the mid 30s. This means baby wipes, washing your face in Chick-fil-A bathrooms and mixing & matching three outfits over the span of 11 days are all par for the course.
- We are exactly where we are supposed to be – God has a plan. Place your trust in Him and walk with courage toward what he has called you to. He is inviting us to something big & bold, and it starts in our hearts.
- We are all gifted – We each represent a specific part of the body of God. We all were blessed with our own special gifts, and when we come together and work as a team, we are able to serve God better and influence others for His glory. (1 Peter 4:7-11)
- Release expectations – This goes for Training Camp and life in general. Just be open to the experience of whatever it is you’re doing. Go in with a “yes” mentality and you’ll be pleasantly surprised, I promise.
- Get comfortable with your gear – I know this sounds like a direct contradiction to #3, but hear me out. It’s less about being comfortable and more about respect and readiness. You will be unpacking and repacking – literally living out of your backpack – so familiarize yourself with all the fun pockets, gismos, doohickeys and zippers on your pack. Learn how to put up and take down your tent, maybe even challenge yourself to do it in the dark and in a certain amount of time (and expect the tent to be wet). Make sure your backpack fits and is adjusted to your body. Know where a rain cover is in case a downpour happens (spoiler alert: they happen). Know what items need to be in your day pack in case you don’t have access to your bigger pack. Whatever you do, just don’t be the last one on your squad to be at the meeting point (trust me, I have already been this person), this is CRITICAL for travel days.
10. Be present – After a hard day you may just want to check out or “turn your ministry side off”. Don’t. Dig in to the hard days. It’s just like stretching after exercise, it’s good for you and always worth it!
11. Tell stories – God didn’t call us to be an echo, he called us to be a voice. Tell your own testimony. Tell your stories. You can’t argue with an experience.
Thanks for reading friends, and as always, thank you for the support! Love you all!
Until next time,
Greg
