After CampSample

At this point, can you even REMEMBER what your retreat was about? It probably feels like it happened months or even YEARS ago. It’s usually right around this point that the crazy good feeling you had at the retreat starts to fade quite a bit. It’s totally normal to love the amazing worship, awesome stage, or fun locations that you get to experience when you’ve gone away for an event. And it’s also normal to miss those things and those feelings as time goes by. Trips like these are special times, and they’re definitely helpful when we need a restart, refresh, or boost in our relationship with God. 

And while those good vibes and feelings may fade, believe it or not, you can still keep the spirit of the retreat going all year long. It’s just going to take some effort on your part. Keeping up with the plan that you made will help you to apply the things you’ve learned, and continuing to be connected with friends will help you stay accountable when other things start to get in the way. And at the end of the day, while the memories of the event itself might fade, the things you’ve learned don’t have to! But . . . it’s up to you. 

Today, ask yourself this question:

What are some things Ican do to keep learning and growing? 

If you’re having a tough time thinking of anything, reach out to a leader or an adult in your life that you respect. They’ll be able to help guide you to helpful verses, books, studies, or even other devotionals that will help you grow in your relationship with God.

The truth is, the same God who gave you that incredible experience at camp or on your retreat is the SAME God at home. He loves you, cares for you, and always wants the best for you. And we can trust that nothing, and I mean nothing, will stop God from loving you. There’s even a whole list in Romans 8:38-39 of all the things that CAN’T separate us from God. He loves you so much.  And He can meet you and help you grow right where you are—even at home. Don’t let your retreat experience stop here. Keep it going by looking for your next opportunity to grow. You can do it!