Race Unraveled.

Unravel. 

It means to undo. A basic word to describe a desire to investigate, solve, and explain. 

"We plot, we plan, we assume things are going to go a certain way and then they don't and we find ourselves in a new place, a place we haven't been before, a place we never would have imagined on our own. And it was difficult and unexpected and maybe even tragic and yet it opened us up and freed us from the past to see things in a whole new way. Suffering does that…it hurts…but it also creates. How many of the most significant moments in life came not because it all went right, but because it all fell apart? It's strange how there can be art in the agony" (Bell). 

I've said in this year, "the best is yet to come…." 

I'll admit, I haven't always experienced the best. Though, I can acknowledge I've seen pieces and mere fragments of the best in this year. Truthfully, the best has unraveled in ways I didn't anticipate or expect. 

Ironically, my own line of "the best is yet to come" has left me discouraged, even hurt. Then I am reminded that maybe, just maybe, the "best" isn't about me. I've always loved sports and being active, which generated a competitive spirit that would push me to achieve a personal best. Because, the moment I'd cross the finish line, the victory oozing from my being, it was worth it. The victory out weighed the months of training, the thoughts of giving up, and the questions that doubted if it was possible…

And then I stumbled across something I wrote when I was nineteen…

"For so long I have been on this marathon, as each stride I take I run away from a relationship with my father…. Recently in my brokeness, I've run away from a boy who loved me. He had been someone said to be the best and even perfect for me, yet for some reason our strides were never in step with each other. After letting go of him, I ran even harder. I was in peak physical shape and I was convinced that I wouldn't slow down. My broken heart created enough will power to endure countless hills, lengthy valleys, and even weary meanders. Then one of the bystanders from the crowd caught me off guard, as his bold voice yelled, "I AM HERE. I HAVE NEVER LEFT." He continued to explain how he had watched the duration of my marathon, the high and low points of my race. He had been faithful to watch and cheer.  His presence was something I'd never felt before. Then he promised with such declaration, "I SHALL PROVIDE." He reminded me to be patient in endurance and granted such hope to push towards the finish line.  So, I invited my Heavenly Father to run with me and he transformed my stride...." 

Life will unravel... 

But are you inviting those who want the "best" for you to be apart? It isn't about me. It's actually about you…God created us to unravel in his presence. Because he is HERE, he is in the BEST, and even in the BETTER.

So, these are my final questions that I invite you to ask with me.  What if, I just would steady my heart? What if, I just lived life from a place of peace, allowed life to unravel, as I experience the best without personal effort? What if, I just let God reveal his best and eliminate my perception of the best? 

Those questions encompass what I am choosing to do…

For I cannot see what is in front of me, yet I will choose to have a steady heart and peaceful mind that keeps on going; keeps on loving; keeps on forgiving; and keeps on believing…

Charlene

Years Unraveling

1989.

A year that I was first introduced to camp and only a few months old with a head full of blonde curls.

2012. 

A year that God revealed the call of obedience and the journey unravelled. I've never been the same. At the time, I told him as I flew over the Rocky Mountains, "I will return to Alberta for restoration.” Then I murmured under my breath, “and I will only do camp ministry if it involves a lake."

2013.

A year that challenged me to return to camp ministry, the blonde curls now much longer, yet the passion arose! Ironically, it involved a beautiful lake. The dreams for Makaway exploded...

2014.

A year that I questioned as I traveled through the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, "why am I leaving BC (home)?"  Only one reason came to mind, Makaway. 

I returned to Alberta and pulled up a chair, as I inched myself closer to the oak frame of my kitchen table.  I sat and begin to write out the questions I’ve wrested with, the thoughts I’ve twisted in my brain, and the fragments of unknown that I’ve lacked clarity and understanding.  Oddly, I stumbled across a quote by Bill Johnson, “you cannot hold God hostage to your questions. He doesn’t owe you an answer. If you want the peace that passes understanding, you’re going to have to give up your right to understanding. It’s called trust.”

In 2012, I never thought I’d be apart of Makaway, yet in a season of obedience I began to trust there was an actual reason why I returned to Alberta. I haven’t always understood, yet I’ve trusted that “there are far better things ahead than any we leave behind” (C.S. Lewis).

In 2014, I marvel at my Makaway family. Because you are a very large piece of the “better” that has been woven in the unknown fragments of living in Alberta. As a result, I eagerly look forward to celebrating this thanksgiving season with you.

So, this year it will be held at Bentley Community Church on October 13^th.  We will be hosting a fall festival and clothing giveaway at 4pm with a free thanksgiving dinner at 5:30pm. Please RVSP to makaway@sunnysidecamp.org, as we truly look forward to having you join us at the table!

Be blessed,

Charlene

{The Makaway Team}