It started gently at first, a light drizzle on a warm summer morning. I smiled slightly, thinking of my preteen experiencing his first rain storm, while camping in a lean to, on top of a mountain this week. Unexpectedly, the sky broke open and buckets of water began saturating the ground at a disturbing rate.

My enjoyment turned to panic, as my mind began envisioning him huddled under a tarp, while the suitcase, I had lovingly packed, floated down a ravaging river. Darn it! I knew I should have saran wrapped each pair of underwear. My instinct was to get in the car, drive to the camp, and rescue my soggy child from impending danger.

I quickly texted a fellow mama, whose son was also on the camping trip, and filled her in on my extraction plan. I expected her to eagerly volunteer to be my wingwoman. We would take the camp by minivan, clad in matching water repellent ponchos, armed with steel canisters of chicken noodle soup. My son would leap to his feet, fist pumping victoriously, and shout “No worries boys! My mom is here.” I could almost feel his arms wrapping me in a grateful embrace.

My friend’s reply, however, paused my heroic daydream.

“But there is the chance that the rain creates fun challenges, which create awesome stories of survival.”

My initial response was that the word “survival” and the child, who I have devoted 12 years to protecting from life threatening situations, should never be found in the same sentence.

And yet, as I begrudgingly removed the ladle I had just duct taped to my inner thigh, I realized, she was right. What an extraordinary opportunity to learn, grow, and trust.

“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”
Psalm 105:4

When I look back over my life, the moments where I have drawn closest to God, were the ones when I faced enormous challenges, stress and adversity. The experiences that taught me the most, occurred when I was pushed to my breaking point and forced to acknowledge, I can do nothing without Christ who strengthens me.

Did I enjoy living through these trials? No. But, reflecting from the other side, I can clearly see the remarkable endurance I gained. The deepening of my faith. The outpouring of God’s love and mercy.

The smile returned to my face as I watched the rain continue to pound the pavement outside my window.

Help him draw close to you for warmth, Lord, I prayed.

My prayer was interrupted by the ding of a new text. My mama friend wrote that she was going out hiking and I was welcome to join her, if it would help me feel closer to my son.

I began the tedious process of unpacking 97 individually wrapped saltines from my survival backpack and quickly typed my reply.

“Heck no! I’m staying warm and dry. My empathy only goes so far.”

You’re on your own kid! I chuckled. But my mama heart was filled with the peace that comes from knowing, he never would be.

Please comment, like and share this post, especially with other mamas who have kiddos away at camp this week. We need to stick together!

I am anxious to hear all about my son’s adventures on Friday evening when we pick him up. If you follow me on Facebook, you got to read last year’s hilarious story about the letter that never came. (If you don’t follow me on Facebook, what are you waiting for? It’s fun! Click here to check out my page.) In case you are wondering. Still no letter……….