a reason to celebrate

Hello from Weaverville, North Carolina!

i'm at Windy Gap, which is an amazing place where last Saturday 175 high school kids stood up and proclaimed that they said, "i do" to Jesus that week.

Pretty incredible, but thank goodness it's not just about numbers. Each camper has a story, and i've had the privilege to participate in what is hopefully one of the best weeks of their lives. One camper in particular is here right now, and God chose him to stir my heart two days ago at the rock climbing tower where i work.

Isaac is blind; he's here with a group of visually/hearing impaired students. My interaction with him was simple but lovely. i hesitantly {doubtfully} handed him a harness and helmet before realizing my help was necessary in this preparation process. My thoughts wandered to, "how do i belay someone who can't see," and, "i can't do this." Can't. How gross that i had such little faith in that moment, before joyful Isaac brought me back, telling me about his five laps around the Nascart track by himself. 

Miracle number one of the day.

i then witnessed, through blurry eyes, Isaac slowly but surely climb all the way to the top of the tower.. held up by me.. each hand and foot placement directed by me. {Lord, i am not worthy of such an important task! Thank You!} i spoke, gentle yet firm, and Isaac confidently obeyed. Once or twice he called out, "do NOT let me down! i'm gonna get this." and when he reached the top, he didn't even know until i told him.

Man, i want to be like Isaac. i want to trust God: sit back in my harness as He lowers me into valleys and climb confidently with the knowledge that He's got me when i get weak and need to rest. Just as Isaac listened to each step, using all his strength to get there, i want to hear God and obey. Like how he had no idea what i looked like or how strong i was, Isaac trusted that i wouldn't let him fall or lead him astray. i want to trust and have hope like that. Like how Isaac yearned for that victorious moment even though he couldn't see the obstacle in front of him. i want to want it that bad. Miracle number two.

Now a third revelation i experienced in that situation was the miraculous gift of intimate, appropriate touch. Hugging Isaac when he returned to ground was such a sweet and humbling moment where i got to praise Jesus and celebrate this small but huge feat.

Hope. Hear. Trust. Obey. Celebrate.