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Good Morning Readers,
It's a cool morning here at SPEC, the first we've had this week. It's a pleasant break from the heat wave we've been
enduring.
I do need to print a slight correction to yesterday's column, for those of you who know SPEC well. The colors of the first
two brackets of competition should be reversed. Blue is the first level, green the second, then red, and gold the top. Hopefully the readers of this column will be faithful to yesterday's theme, "Compassion in
Action."
Yesterday was a day filled with acts of compassion, as the fatigue and heat seemed to increase the number of injuries on the
playing fields and courts. And the heat wasn't only the temperature of the air. Competition get a little more heated as well, as we move into the final matches, and games, in search of the top spots, and the gold
medals. Reminds this reporter of an earlier day when two disciples, James and John, were competing for the "top spots", and even had a cheerleader trying to influence the "referee."
Yesterday
was the final day for the arts and leadership classes. And people were feverishly trying to complete artwork, and projects, to be displayed and judged today as well.
Graceland University, the host of SPEC,
awards scholarships to several prospective students, and yesterday was the final day of receptions and interviews as the field of hopefuls is narrowed down the finalists. A form of competition in it's own right. Not
unlike competing for a job, or promotion against other workplace hopefuls.
Last night was the annual "talent show." A showcase of youthful talent in a variety of areas, music, drama, poetry, juggling,
arts, etc. This event is one of the anticipated events here at SPEC as campers support and celebrate the talents of each other.
This morning is the track and field events and the swim meet. Relays, heats, medleys
make up the morning events. This afternoon will be the final games of team competition and players will be awarded their medals today. Some excited about gold; some disappointed with silver, and some just excited to be
a part of the adventure.
Today we "Live to the Extreme" as our daily theme. To watch these campers in action is to watch that theme modeled. Flying catches, diving saves, reckless abandon, crashing
bodies, full-tilt action from the opening whistle to the closing buzzer, these campers attack life. What an incredible world it will be if they will apply the same enthusiasm and energy to their other worldly endeavors.
Tonight SPEC and the community are treated to "Extravaganza." A full-scale musical production that campers have been working on all week. This year's production is "Godspell." There will be
musical numbers, drama, dance, solo's, and acting. The Rockies are well represented in this year's production.
Well, readers, this may well be the final edition of the little SPEC newsletter. Tomorrow, early, we
pack up camp, make a few closing announcements and presentations, have a final worship, and begin long journeys to far away destinations. Cars, vans, busses, and airplanes, will carry weary campers and staff to homes,
often several days travel. The campus will be eerily quiet for a few weeks until it is filled with college students, some who were at SPEC this year.
Hopefully, the campers and staff will go home changed forever,
by the love, caring, support, modeling, and relationships with each other and with God. If we can "Live the Adventure" and experience the "abundant life", promised
to those who invest themselves
in the building of the Kingdom, the world will be a better place, and the kingdom will not be far away.
This reporter has enjoyed being your servant for a few days, and hopes the words and images have helped you
feel a little closer to the action, and a little more in touch with the exciting world of young people, finding their way on the "Path of the Disciple." May you also be blessed with God's Spirit as you
"Live the Adventure."
And so, as we say in the newspaper business, "let's put this issue to bed."
God Bless!!Seventy Bob |
