life stories

so my surprise of the day (think about how much i like planning and organization) was that the camp starting tomorrow that I wasn't expecting to be counseling for, I am counseling for.  God sure is teaching me about giving up control this summer.  This is an outreach camp, run through our sponsoring church, for kids in the community who wouldn't otherwise be able to go to camp.  We aren't as involved as we would be for one of our own camps but they still needed some counselors and help running activities and such.  Pray for our staff as we prepare for this and for the campers who will be coming this weekend, many of whom have little knowledge of Christ.  So anyways, the real meaning behind this post.  We've been sharing life stories, or testimonies throughout staff training and we did several tonight in an effort to finish up.  What has been shared has been absolutely mind-blowing and inspiring.  The hurt and brokenness that some of my friends have experienced shatters my heart into a million pieces.  I can't even imagine.  The honesty that they have about it humbles me immensely.  It makes me think of how we are to bear one another's burdens and weep with those who weep.  One of my fellow staff members has had a past that is beyond words.  This is the person who brought us warm towels and hot chocolate during lifeguard training, puts so much care into his work, who said  in his message that he has truly learned to bear other's burdens and that since we are his summer family he would do anything for any of us.  Someone who has experience such evil and sin can turn around and love others so well.  This is the power of healing in Christ.  This is what astounds me.  Through life stories, we grow closer to one another and maybe even learn about ourselves.  There have been multiple times when, after hearing someone's story, I regret things I've said to them before, not realizing what that might mean in their life.  Its another lesson in not judging someone, especially not before you know their story.  Well its going to be a growing weekend for sure.  Pray that we all may encounter God deeply and personally, especially the campers we are serving.