summer stories: learning to ask for help.

Allison (on the left) was a FANTASTIC addition to our staff team this summer. She was a stellar kitchen staffer and a great cabin leader. She also responded promptly and graciously when I asked for summer stories. So, without further ado, this is Allison's story:

Hi! Hi!
Something that I learned at camp. Should be an easy task, right? You would think so. This entire summer was a learning process for me. Some things were significant, like hot oil will literally disintegrate plastic containers and melt the cupboard doors in the kitchen. (Sorry, Ken!) Some things were not so significant, like no matter how fast you go in, how hot the day is, or how long you stay in for, the water in the creek is always cold. Always. But that’s not the kind of thing you’re looking for now, is it?

I guess one of the most important things that I learned at camp, the thing I will remember the most, is that it’s okay to ask for help. No matter what you’re going through, no matter what you’re dealing with, God can help you. You may want to do it on your own, you think that you’ve got it all covered. Maybe you think that your situation is too petty and, quite frankly, God has a lot to deal with. But he is never too busy. He may speak to you directly, or he may send another person, maybe a co-worker, to help you. He will never leave you alone. He will never abandon you in a time of need, He will never desert you. In fact, He wants you to ask for help. He expects it. He knows it’s rough out here on earth, He knows it’s a far cry from being as awesome as Heaven. It’s okay if you have to lean on someone else, if you can’t do something on your own. God made you in His image; He did not make you to be Him. I’m not someone who likes to ask others for help, I do not enjoy being vulnerable. But this summer taught me that sometimes, you have to suck it up, put yourself out there, and beg for help on your hands and knees. Help might come from the least expected places, and it might be just what you need.