On the first night of a Kairos, it’s kind of just a question of putting one foot in front of the other. It reminds me of my old days in the military. Everything was “hurry up and wait.” Everyone is eager to get started but not much really happens on the first night. It really is just getting things set up, introductions, and a couple of meditations and night prayer. It’s loading up cookies and food. Checking into the hotel. Lot’s of sitting around and waiting. Drudgery. But God takes even these basic things, these necessary non-dramatic steps. Even when we think nothing is happening yet. It is. “When the Lord does a thing through us, He always transfigures it.”
Although last night we had really not done anything. There was an incredible sense of anticipation and excitement in the room. There was a oft repeated theme of “I’m here to see what God is going to do.” And a strong sense of certainty that He is going to do something good.
He already has. We have so many cookies that we are plotting to pass out cookies to the entire camp, not just the participants. There is tragedy too as the Chaplain is focused on the suicide of one of the correctional officers. We are unlikely to see much of him as he takes care of business connected with that loss.
Our biggest danger at this point is the tendency to believe that we are really doing something more than being used empty vessels. Pray that the good beginning will continue and that drudgery will continue to be transformed. If this is soul sucking drudgery, I can’t wait for the good stuff.
Be blessed.
Nick.
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