Uncommon Legend

This past Thursday, I had the incredible opportunity to go and speak at my former camp, Waukaway Springs. It is a small camp outside of Laurel, MS, but it is a hidden jewel. I had the opportunity to work there for three summers as a college student, but now times are different, and I have advanced further into adulthood. When I arrived there Thursday evening, I was greeted by familiar faces, warm smiles, and even warmer hugs. It was right there in this moment that I felt something that I hadn’t felt in a long time. I felt like the community, and those around me loved me. Now don’t get wrong, I feel loved by others all the time. I know my students, coworkers, family, and friends love me. However, I had not felt this kind of warmth because of the pandemic. Since it began last March, I had mentally prepared myself not to get physically close to people because I was afraid I would contract COVID-19. This was incredibly hard for me to do because my love language is physical touch. I love giving and receiving hugs! Going to see family made me nervous, mainly because I would never forgive myself if I made them sick. Seeing my girlfriend even worried me because I knew I was around people a lot more than she was. But this moment, Thursday night, I stopped fearing for just a moment and just received love, not the people around me but God himself. Being a Christian, you sometimes feel like you have to look for God, but he was looking for me that night. Waukaway Springs, I appreciate you. Thank you for the reminder that I am loved!