… he made David their king. He testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ Acts 13:22

Living at Lutheran Lakeside in the summer is strangely different than living here in the fall. In the summer things are noisy and magical and the air is warm and humid. In the fall there is much more quiet and the air is chilled and damp. In the summer, staff members tend to be so wrapped up in the fairytale and business of camp that at times we feel as if we lose touch with the outside world…and that’s okay. That’s part of the reason camp exists, so that people can get away.

Now that I’m living here in the fall, as the part-time program coordinator, I have time to “be.” Just “be.” To notice the beauty of camp in a way I never have before. The noise level is much different. I can actually hear the turkey when we cross paths and he doesn’t run away because there isn’t a gaggle of campers coming up the path behind me.

I also have time to enjoy the camp as a place of reflection and quiet. To meditate and to read. I’m not so tired when I go to bed at night that I don’t remember closing my eyes.

In these times of quiet and prayers I often think of the men and women who have worked and served at Lakeside. Recently Ranger Z’s father, Ray Zeman, who passed away Wednesday morning, has been on my mind. I never met Ray but I know three things about him. First of all, it’s difficult to spend time at camp and not run into his memory. He is talked about with great admiration by those who share their stories because of the many hours he spent volunteering at the camp. Secondly, he has left his mark, literally, there are buildings where he and others invested their time and sweat and love—I spent two summers managing  “Z’s Canteen.” Last but not least, he has left a legacy. He will be remembered not only in the stories that his loved ones tell about him but also in the lives of his family. The Zeman clan continue to love and support camp…often as volunteers.

I can’t help but think that I wouldn’t be here at Lakeside if it weren’t for people like Ray Zeman. I’m sure there are many stories, not only of Ray, but also of many other volunteers and past employees. So…thank you. I hope that one day I can pay it forward…and I wonder will my children go to camp here? Will my family volunteer? What will be my legacy…not only at camp but in this life?

When I graduated high school I boldly claimed I wanted to be like David, the great King from the Old Testament. I wanted to be a person who sought after God’s own heart. I pray that we all find a way to do that. That we will all find a way to leave a legacy that serves God’s people, despite any mistakes we make along the way. May we be a people after the heart of God.

This Week At Camp:

October 14th-17th: A volunteer group from Our Savior’s Lutheran in Wayne, Nebraska will be here helping the camp out for the second time this year. Thanks guys!!

October 16th-17th: The High School Students from Bethany Lutheran in Spencer, Iowa  (my youth group) will be hanging out, roasting marshmallows, staying up late, climbing the indoor wall and more.

If you would like to serve with us at camp  or if you would like to just stop by for a visit we would love to have you!

Come and  be a Lakeside Ranger today!