Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. -Luke 12:6-7

As church camp approaches next week, I have been reflecting on what I love most about camp. My answer changes from day to day as I think about campfires, skits, worship, swimming in the lake, the ropes course, and all the other ways we fill our days at camp.

Today, though, my answer is clear: I like the times when I am present (whether for a Bible study or an obstacle course) but not in charge. 

Let me quickly clarify: it’s not that I’m shirking some responsibility in those moments. But when the times come that the counselors are teaching the kids a song that the kids will later lead in worship, or when the ropes course staffer gives the kids a new challenge to solve together, or when campers decide what to do during their choice time, I get to see the kids grow as their personalities and gifts shine out.

When a kid who is used to having a grown-up tell them what to do is left to solve a challenge on the ropes course, it can intimidate them at first. Sometimes, they pause uncertainly. Sometimes they charge full steam ahead– which may or may not work. Sometimes they seek the input of their cabinmates. Often, it takes a few tries of a few different strategies to get a solution that meets the challenge.

But then, it clicks. From frustrated or uncertain, they become confident. They stand a little taller. They approach the next challenge with the certainty that they will be able to figure it out. 

The same sort of thing happens when a camper transforms from a participant into a leader at worship. When he realizes that he has wisdom to add to a Bible study, or when she discovers that she can lead her team through a scavenger hunt. Growth. Confidence. Active participation, not just in camp, but in their own faith experience.

I watch these moments at a little bit of a distance because I know that if I am too close, campers will expect me, an adult (and a pastor at that!), to tell them what to do on the ropes course, or what to understand about the Bible, or what song to choose for worship. Campers need to know that there is support– but also that failure is possible. Support will be close enough to help them avoid disaster, but it won’t smooth every bump along the way.

The very best moment is when they nail it. When they overcome the challenges and achieve what they set out to do. In that moment, I am so proud of them, sometimes even more proud than they are of themselves.

As I reflected on the meaningful moments of watching kids grow, problem solve, and flourish at camp, I realize that God often acts in a rather similar way for all of us. God keeps an eye on us, as Jesus points out: along with the sparrows, the hairs on our heads are numbered. However, God isn’t a bulldozer who takes all our problems out of the way for us, nor a hand-holder who tells us what to do for every challenge we face. God equips us with gifts like wisdom and patience and curiosity and experience. God provides us with a community to help us. God gives us mentors and role models to guide us. And, sometimes, God does swoop in to save us from a disaster with divine power– no doubt about it.

But I think God’s favorite is watching us persevere until we overcome our challenges. I think God is proud of us when we change the patterns that have hurt us, or when we reconcile a broken relationship, or when we find a groove to our spiritual practices, or when we step out in brave generosity. I think God watches us, not just to keep us from harm, but because God loves to see us grow.