What’s in a Name?

            When you think about it, a lot goes into naming something. When your parents named you, they probably took time to decide what name to choose. Sometimes it’s a family name, other times a special meaning or connotation. Generally, there is a lot that goes into naming. I find it is common that even though there is a name given, other reasons determine what emotions we have toward it. Association, experiences, and other words that go with is are just a few reason that help determine how we feel about a name. 

            When you look up the word “sky”, you will find a definition similar to that of “space above the Earth where the moon, sun, clouds, and stars appear.” Pretty normal, right? But, when you pair it with two more words, the whole meaning is changed for hundreds of people. By adding the word “lodge” and “camp” everything is changed. When you look up the definition of “lodge,” it will probably say something along the lines of “a place that can be used for temporary shelter.” What about “camp”? A camp is a place that is “usually away from populous areas, where some tents and meek buildings (much like cabins) are used for housing or momentary housing.” I feel like there is a lot of truth in the literal meaning of these words, but when paired together there is just overall a lot more.

            Sky Lodge Christian Camp is a place that I, along with many others, have become familiar with. Although it has only been a few short years since I first went to camp, they have been some of the best years. When I say “some of the best years” I really do mean some of the best years. It’s the place that I have made some of my best memories, met some of the best people, made some of my best choices, wrote some of the best letters and developed some of the best relationships.

            I look back to myself as a 15-year-old girl whining because camp was “lame” and “stupid” because I didn't know anyone. Well, for the first 15 minutes it probably was lame. Then I talked to somebody or even two somebodies. It’s at camp that I have made some of my best friends, and I wouldn’t trade that for much of anything. If I hadn't just toughed it out and gone, I would be missing out on so much.

            For me, camp is much more than just a temporary home; it’s a permanent resting place. Some of you may think “Oh, that makes sense…. Camp. Rest. I get it.” I’m not talking about that kind of rest. When at camp I work some of the hardest days, endure some of the driest heat, and live some of the most exhausting days. It’s not rest for my body that I’m looking for at camp when I’m there. I’m looking for the rest of my soul.

            It’s not nearly the same thing (although you can find that resting helps you), because I have been back from just 43 hours at camp and I am so extremely tired. The funny thing about that? I am at peace even when I know that I don’t have everything figured out. It’s okay. It's okay that I don't know everything, He does. 

Psalm 116:7   “Return to your rest, my soul.For the LORD has been good to you.”