7 Days {edited}

Thirty

When it came time for dinner, I was a little bit sad. I just kept getting overwhelmed by the "lastness" of it all. The last time I'd go to dinner in the cafeteria...

Once we'd all gathered around the table, I raised my glass for a toast. "To camp!" Everyone clinked glasses and smiled warmly. Some of the girls had tears in their eyes, myself included. But I wiped them away quickly and enjoyed my fettuccine Alfredo.

Later that evening, Pastor Brett spoke about the first man ever created; Adam. I found it really cool that God literally formed him out of dirt, and just kinda breathed him into existence.

But wait! There was more. After creating Adam and putting him in charge of naming all the animals, God decided to make the first female. She was formed with one of Adam's ribs, and her name was Eve.

I'd heard of Adam and Eve, of course, but I'd never heard their whole story. It was quite interesting.

Pastor Brett talked about how amazing it was that, out of everything God made, we were the only thing created in His image. Just as I was wondering what that meant, he explained a bit further, saying that His 'image' meant we had a soul, and we were created to be like Him.

It was my favorite message so far. And they sang "Beautiful Things" again, so that was nice. But instead of crying, I thought of all the beautiful things God had given me. Simple things, as well as big things.

When it was over and we had small group, Sarah asked us all to share our favorite memory from this year's camp. It was cool to hear what everyone thought. I didn't have to think too long when it came around to me. "My favorite memory was getting saved," I said.

Out of all the amazing things that had happened in the past week, that was my happiest moment. The moment I realized that I couldn't live without Christ, and I gave my life over to Him. I would never be the same because of that moment, and that's why it was my favorite.

- - -

Everyone woke up feeling wistful; we all wished camp could continue on forever. But alas, we would be leaving later today.

For the last session, Pastor Brett talked about the seventh day, when God rested. The six days of creation were over, but there was still one last thing God had to do.

"Sometimes we get really into a project, or a book, or a sport, and we just keep working and working," Pastor Brett said. "And sometimes we forget that we need to rest. Slow down, take a chill pill, and get some good old-fashioned rest. Sounds pretty simple, right?

"No, it's actually really hard. We want to keep pushing ourselves, and working to be our best. And those are good things, don't get me wrong. But you can't forget your day of rest. God demonstrated that for us in the Bible. So don't forget, if you feel overworked or too stressed out, take some time to rest. Read your Bible. Pray. Do whatever feels like rest to you, until you feel energized."

Hmm, I thought. Interesting. God didn't seem like the kinda guy that needed a nap, but I guess He was. Everyone liked their sleep, after all.

I was glad Pastor Brett had shared that message with us. It really spoke to the overachiever in me.

"Now, I hope you've all had a great time-" Before he could finish, the crowd erupted in cheers. Pastor Brett smiled from up on the stage. "It's actually time to pack up, though. So get all your stuff together, and we'll meet out by the bus for pictures. Then we'll have lunch, and be outta here. Any questions?"

"Yeah," said someone from the second row. "What's on the menu for lunch today?"

Pastor Brett rolled his eyes. But then he said, "Pizza." Everyone cheered again. Who doesn't like pizza?

I went back to my dorm with Emily, Cami, and Jordyn. We packed up all our stuff and took the sheets off our bunks.

"I'm so sad we're leaving today," Cami said.

"Me too. I can't believe it's the last day already!" Jordyn agreed.

"Yeah. It feels like just yesterday that we got here," said Emily.

"I wish we could stay longer."

We hauled all our bags to the moving truck that had followed us to camp. Some of the staff lugged it all into the truck, and then we gathered together in front of the chapel for pictures.

I was surrounded by all my best friends. Except for Lincoln. I looked around for him, but couldn't find him anywhere. Frowning, I tried to ignore my curiosity.

"Boo," said a voice from behind.

And of course, it was him. Saying I had butterflies would be an understatement.

"Say cheese!" called the photographer from where she stood.

But there was no need. I was already smiling.