I must admit I get a touch envious of the multitude of summer camp offerings available to children and teens. When I was growing up there were two types of camps to choose from; Bible Camp and Band Camp. Today the options available include church camp, music camp, sports camp, science camp, math camp, art camp, computer camp, and others to attract kids from a wide range of age and interests. So I was thinking about the kind of camp I would like to attend if I could create the ideal for who I am today.
The day would start early. There's no sense planning to sleep in because if my body doesn't wake up on its own, the sore back will nudge it awake and urge me to climb out of bed. No need for an early, hearty breakfast but simply serve me a big mug of strong, black coffee and let me read a book for a while under a tree. In an hour or so I will start to get hungry and at that point I will head into the camp kitchen. Upon seeing milk, bread, eggs, bagels, cheese, muffins, fruit and various other things I will determine there is nothing to eat so I'll make a second cup of coffee and head back to my book.
Because I chose not to eat breakfast I will be famished by midmorning and opt for the sugary, ooey-gooey confection at snack break. After eating that I will immediately feel tremendous guilt and quickly make up my mind to begin a new fitness program. I will plan to take a nice long jog later and sweat off the snack I indulged in. But first, since I'm so close to finishing that book how about a few more minutes under that tree to see how it ends.
At lunch time I would want to gather my friends together and talk and talk and talk. There would be so much to catch up on -- given my busy morning and all. Then, feeling rejuvenated, I would be ready to take that run. But first, I should probably drink some water so I am properly hydrated, and really, I should lie down for a bit so I am properly rested. After my nap, I will hit the jogging trail, only to realize I didn't pack my running shoes because everything I'd want to wear at camp would look better with my sandals anyway. And so the day would go.until I crawl into bed making up my mind that tomorrow would be more "productive."
I truly want to make the most of each day I live because I believe life to be a very precious gift. But I question sometimes the definition we give to "making the most of each day." In our culture we seem to equate being busy with being worthy. We feel a need to be on the go all the time, and even tend to justify time spent quietly relaxing.
Why can't making the most of each day mean sitting outdoors and marvelling at nature? Why can't making the most of each day mean turning off the phone and being out of reach for a while? Why can't making the most of each day mean doing the things that just make you laugh -- or cry? Why can't making the most of each day be about sitting and reading or drawing, or painting or woodworking or doing any number of things in the areas we may be gifted.
Camp as a child can mean a busy schedule of archery, horseback riding, swimming, meals, music, chores, campfires, and a hectic pace that leaves you crawling into bed feeling utterly exhausted and thoroughly fulfilled. Life as an adult is filled with day-planners, lists and schedules that are filled with a lot of have-to's and responsibilities. It is a necessary part of life to ensure jobs get done, organizations run well, and family and community commitments are met. But life should be so much more. Take or day, or two, or ten this summer and make the most of that day with the things that will create lasting memories. Take some time to indulge in the things you have been putting off for too long. The 'to-do' lists can wait, the 'to-live' lists can't. That's my outlook.
