I have always loved serving others, and this summer PVBCC paid me to do this!  What better summer job could there be?  I mean, seriously.  I got to serve others for His glory!  But what I had to constantly remember was that I loved the Lord of the work more than the work of the Lord.  

I arrived at the beginning of the summer ready to learn new things and ready to serve.  And there sure were many things to learn.  I learned about jobs I knew I would hate and jobs I knew I would love.  But my attitude would quickly change.  In the beginning of the summer, I read "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence.  I read that he did every single job for the glory of God, even if it was a job he despised.  I took this lesson to heart.  Even in jobs that were boring and repetitive I found joy, knowing that what work I do is for the Kingdom.  

I suppose I better tell you all what job I had if this is to make any sense:  I was on Rec staff.  I have never before enjoyed working so much with so many great people.  Yes, there were jobs I disliked.  After all it is hard to get fired up about standing in the middle of a paintball war zone and getting hit every once in a while.  What I really looked forward to was High Ropes.  I usually worked at the bottom, making sure people got hooked in and knew the safety procedures.  It was so much fun getting to know people from all over the place, hearing their stories (for the few minutes we had to talk), and being able to encourage others to step out of their "comfort zone" (as the ropes course is named).  

More along the lines of drudgery were the times when the Rec staff helped in the kitchen.  While not exactly the best of jobs, after washing possibly thousands of plates and silverware, I no longer hold any fear of most things considered disgusting or menial.  In fact, menial tasks are sometimes the best tasks.  

For what it is worth, this summer has been one of my favorites.  I have connected with God on a deeper level, and while I may not see the fruit of my labors in this lifetime, I look forward to the eternity that God has placed in my heart and meeting many of the people who spent their time here at Pine Valley.