The Unexpected Seeds of Bible Camp

“This is madness,†I sigh, trudging uphill through the snow, my face burning, the rucksack dragging me down. I’d hoped that going to Aunt Alana’s cabin would be a retreat from the worries churning inside, but regrets still plague my thoughts.

“Maya,†a melodic voice cries out my name.

“Hello?†I call.

No one’s there. But then the snow starts melting rapidly. A gleaming light reveals
a banquet on a picnic table.

“Maya, I’m here.â€

I turn. A man’s dark eyes shine, and his ebony hands grasp my rucksack as I sit down at the table with him. Too nervous to eat, I stare at this stranger.

“You have regretted far too long,†he says, pouring out the rich hot chocolate.

“How do you know?” I think to myself, sipping the drink, warmth flooding through me.

“Inside your rucksack are the shells of regret,†he says, opening up the bag and
handing me a conch shell. “Listen to your voice.â€

I put the seashell to my ear. “Oh, why didn’t I listen to Skylar? She might not have
moved schools,” I hear.

My breath catches in my throat, and he hands me a second shell. “I wish I’d told my
Nana how much I loved her.”

The memory stings, and I reach for the third shell. “If only I’d gardened for Miss Patel when she broke her arm. I let her down.”

More and more shells reveal hidden worries. But then, the shells crumble and turn into shimmering raindrops around us. I gasp, “How…?â€

My host smiles. “Your failures have been covered by the love of One greater than you. Maya, you belong to Jesus, and His forgiveness releases you from guilt.â€

“But…†I stammer. “I let them down. I let them all down.â€

“Yes, but even so, God was still working in their lives. He never stopped caring for them. He loves your Nana and Miss Patel and Skylar so much more than you ever could. And His love for you is deep and sure.â€

Tears collect in my eyes. “I don’t know how to move on. I feel stuck.â€

“God will help you. Tell Him your problems, your mistakes, your sins. Remember, you are imperfect, but Jesus is the perfect One. He died and rose again to forgive you and relieve your guilt. You can rest in His forgiveness and grace.â€

His soothing words break down the regrets I’ve clung to. He smiles and disappears. The scene around me changes. Picking up the rucksack with ease, I spot Aunt Alana in front of the snowcapped cabin.

“Maya.†Aunt Alana hugs me. “Come on in.â€

On my lips I can still taste the hot chocolate, but the regrets and bitterness have vanished. • Cindy Lee

• Psalm 51:17 says, “God, you will not despise a broken and contrite heart.†Can you think of a time you felt regret? How might God be inviting you to come to Him?

“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I [Jesus] will give you rest.†Matthew 11:28 (WEB)

Read Verses:

Rom.10.9-Rom.10.15|2Cor.5.11-2Cor.5.21|Col.4.3-Col.4.6