Baby Steps

Well, we did make it to the Oklahoma District Campgrounds!! (finally) We've had a few days to prepare for Jr. Youth camp. Our oldest son, Garett, will be going to camp for the first time. I'm having a real hard time letting him grow up!! I know, It's only just beginning!!!
I am reminded of several years ago when I heard Dr. Dobson say that from the time we give birth, we start letting them go!! I remember that day, holding my newborn son and crying because I didn't want to even start thinking in that direction! Now he's almost 12 years old and as I look back, I see the times that we have pulled back to let our baby find his own way. They were baby steps. In my heart I know that camp is a great opportunity to let them try their wings and broaden their social horizons, but I feel that this is a little more than baby steps!! I know that from this moment on there will be no turning back:-( On the other hand I believe He will get to try his wings only a few yards from our nest on wheels!!:-)
We are so proud of both of our boys and have tried to instill in them the Word of God and good moral values as well as how to treat their peers and to respect those in authority. They are not perfect by no stretch of the imagination!! But what a great place to put to test all that we have tried to teach them.
I love youth camps. I started going to Youth Camp in Mississippi when I was only 8 yrs. old!! God filled me with the Holy Ghost for the first time in Youth Camp when I was only 9 yrs. old. I sang in a choir for the 1st time at camp. It was a place of Spiritual renewal and great social interaction!! I got my 1st boyfriend at camp also!! (although he never even talked to me, we did exchange name tags!!:-) I even worked and saved money one year to buy a special dress for camp when I was 12 . I remember all the bake sales and my Momma helping us mow yards just to make money for Youth Camp.(Thanks Momma!!) When Todd and I were married only 3 months, I went to Camp for the 1st time as a Dorm Mom with our Youth group!(what fun!) I think back only to realize how much Youth Camp shaped and molded me as a young person for the good. For me camp was a wonderful experience. And I will do everything in my power to see that my boys will grow up looking forward to Youth Camp every summer! What a wonderful and safe environment to let your babies learn to grow spiritually and socially! Can't think of better!
So, Garett, you go ahead to camp and mommy promises to try not to embarrass you too much!! I will be close if you need me, but I will give you plenty of room to grow into the wonderful young man that I know you are becoming. (But please don't forget to brush your teeth and you'd better not lose any of your new clothes!! )