Thoughts in PA

(From June 11) Well We arrived in PA two days ago. We are staying about 30 minutes from where the kids are going to camp. We had a day to swim a little, do lots of laundry and repack and get everyone ready to leave for camp today.
A little more later on what a time warp experience it was to go back to the camp where I worked as a counselor over 20 years ago. I'll include pictures hopefully, but there is a link to Summer's Best Two Weeks below.

I wanted to share a story even though I don't know the ending. Before we left for this mammoth trip there was a lot of praying and a lot of planning involved. But one of my goals and prayers was to get to know people as we traveled all over the country. I thought I could have opportunities to minister to people that God put in our path and also get a random sampling of where people were at spiritually in this nation. I know what Time/Newsweek is saying, I know what Obama is saying; I wanted to see for myself. So as I have conversed with people I have looked for opportunities to share, witness, pray for, whatever God leads. I have been in many conversations where I try and turn it to spiritual things, only to be shut down, sometimes more quickly than others (except in churches we are visiting). I decided, maybe I was trying too hard to make an opportunity.
So I am going to try less hard, and listen for God's prompting. right?

While we've been here the last day and a half, my kids have been bombarded with attention from a little girl staying here. She does not know an appropriate way to get attention, so whe resorts to ways that are, for lack of a better word, obnoxious. She rides her bike by and screams and yells at the kids. They didn't know what to make of her.
I went out and greeted her and invited her to play with the kids. All it took was a little attention and she is with us all the time now! She's played with them all day, ridden bikes with the kids, had apples and pudding-- she even came in the trailer to "help" us pack. That was yesterday. She is extremely demanding and very self centered, but my kids for the most part were patient and friendly. As we were looking for Bibles (the kids tend to leave them in the car for traveling) I asked her if she had a Bible or ever read one. She shut down on me. Again, I was forcing.

Well, today was really hectic. I thought I had everything ready for camp yesterday, but there are always last minute things. I was putting together the dog kennel, carrying luggage, packing toiletry bags, etc. when I asked if all the kids had their bibles one more time. The little girl (who was there again today)looked at Aaron and asked "What is a Bible?". Aaron showed her his and I gave a somewhat theological answer I thought appropriate for a child that age. I asked her if she could read and if they had a Bible at home. She replied that she couldn't read but they did have one. I said that I was sure her mom would read it to her if she just asked. She replied that her mom wouldn't want to read a book that was so long. I mentally shrugged my shoulders, and hurried back to the packing. As I was lifting one more heavy bag into the car, a weight settled on my heart. I was convicted, as much as if God had actually said "shame on you." to me. Here was a little girl that might be asking her first spiritual question ever. and I basically brushed her off, because why? This was the day my kids were going to camp.
Boy did I miss an opportunity. When I went back to make things right, she was in the middle of a hide and seek game with Micah. I prayed for another chance. This little girl is not in quiet, listening mode often.
When she finally looked attentive I told her, we would be back late tonight, but if she wanted to come around early tomorrow, I would be happy to read to her from my Bible. I told her to ask her mom if it was Ok.
So, I don't know if she'll come, but you can be praying!
That is so typical of me, to ask something of God and then when He sends it I am busy, or preoccupied and I miss it. Lord, help me not to miss the opportunities you give to share you