Camp Starlight........

Seems like only yesterday that I was writing about camp coming up; but that was a year ago!
Well, it is once again looming upon me. I found myself actually dreading it this year. I have so much going on with work and I feel like I'm never home and I have to go out of town for business again soon. My lawn needed to be mowed, I havn't bought groceries in forever, and overall I feel like my life is in disaray. I really wanted to bail on camp.
The thought of an emotionally and physically draining week at camp was just sounding more like a burden than a joy. "I don't have time to go to camp!" I just kept telling myself. "I have too much to do."
So, while at work going over deadlines yesterday, someone asked about my vacation and where was I going? I told them about camp and they replied how great it was that I gave up my vacation for such a nice cause. (the usual response)
My reply was "it's the one time I give back". This was the realization I needed.
Camp is not about me! It is about the kids of Camp Starlight. There is nothing in my life that is so critical that it can't be put aside to be with these kids for a week.
Yes, camp would go on without me, but if a bunch of me's bailed, where would those kids be?
I was reminded in my head of those kids, the candlelight circles, the skipping around the dining hall when someone screams at you to do just that, the circle ups every morning where the kids share their feelings or funny thoughts, the tears, the hugs, the bonds, the taking kids to "club med" to take their medication. The escape those kids are given for one week because of camp, is something I cannot put ahead of my own life.
I was suddenly reminded of our purpose at camp. How selfish of me to think my own life was too chaotic or stressful to attend camp this year.
Those kids are living with, or being affected by, a terrible disease every single day. Suddenly, I felt redicilous of my looming dread.
So, with my newly found perspective, I am looking forward to camp. I will skip around the dining hall when asked to, I will wear some crazy outfit with a feather boa, I will share tears with kids and fellow volunteers, I will sing songs under the moonlight, I will play an instrument in the Starlight Morning band , I will get beat to hell playing capture the flag, I will cheat playing kickball, and I will give my full attention and love to the kids of Camp Starlight.
To do otherwise, is unthinkable.
jb