Prepping for the Unknown?

    "Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, 'Because I bore him in pain.' And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, 'Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.' So God granted him what he requested" (1 Chronicles 4:9-10).

     In staff devotions this morning, Mrs. Chandler shared from the prayer of Jabez. As we listened to the section about enlarging our territory, we were reminded that with that request comes a lot of scary unknowns. This is especially applicable to this week, since we are going to the desert--an unknown for many of us, for Outdoor School.
     There have been nerves and uncertainty galore this week from the students (and even some of the staff!) as the time of departure grows nearer. Many of the students are "too old" or "too cool" to talk about their concerns, so we see them come out through behavior issues. I see these things and think, "Lord, is this how we seem to you? You see us going through things, you know the answers and how things should be handled, but we don't come to you to ask for those answers."
     So, we (staff members and students) pray and discuss logistical issues and their solutions. Not everything has an answer right now. Some things will have to be resolved when we arrive at the campsite (tent placement, water & bathroom stations, etc.). For some things,  students (and staff) will just have to be flexible for now.
    What a good lesson for us in our personal lives. There are some things in our lives that cannot be prepped for; things like cancer, financial issues, or family struggles. We do, however, know the One who has the answers. We need to trust Him for those answers, given to us when the timing is right, even when we don't like the answers.
                                                                   --Mrs. Roach

I thank you, O Lord my God, for the gift of Outdoor School and each of the students, parents, staff members, and volunteers. I pray for safety, for strong bonds of friendship to be built, for your word to be living and active among us, and for you to be glorified in all that happens over this week. We love you.  Amen.