The youth camp schedule is filled with fun events! The first things you’ll notice will probably be the meals, free time, cabin adventures, chapels, and big games. These things are all fantastic for sure, but one of cornerstones of the schedule happens right after breakfast and can be easily overlooked. We call it “TAG Time”, which stands for Time Alone with God. Kids take 30 minutes to find a quiet spot, be still, and spend time in God’s Word.
This isn’t just something added to fill the schedule while the staff prepares for free time, swimming, or zip lining. No, it’s intentional and it’s essential.
In Psalm 1 we see that blessed is the one “whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”
Picture a tree in the middle of the desert. You probably see one that is brown and shriveled, one that is withering. That’s not the way I want you to picture this tree. This tree is full of green leaves, full of life, and bearing fruit! Why? If you look right next to it there is a flowing river from which the tree gets its life. The heat is blaring and the sun scorching, but this tree is nourished and sustained by the constant water stream.
We can be like that tree. With the Lord as our stream and constant source, we have life that cannot be taken away. I’m definitely talking about heaven and eternal life, but I’m also talking about a deep joy and peace that can only come from our God.
When did you last spend quality time alone with God? When did you last drink from the river?
Maybe it’s time we all took a tip from the youth camp schedule and made our own TAG Time essential. The river is endless and the water is sweet. Drink deeply.
– This week’s encouragement written by Monte Abeler.
