What is it about Camping?

This year, our church camp was at 'Dzintari' at Normanville Heights. Nice spot.

Some people do not like camping. One can understand that. They find the strange bed, the walk to the loo, the flies, the mosquitoes and other creatures too disruptive to the peaceful routines and enjoyable comforts of modern life.

However, many others seem to love camping. What is it about camping? Is it the return to more earthy living – roughing it? (People say: ‘I’m getting more in touch with nature’.) Is it the opportunity for deepened thought, reflection and relaxation? Perhaps it is something even more profound than that, for: ‘the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground’ (Genesis 2:7a). We have a natural affinity with clay and dust.

(BTW - I notice even the latest ‘Omo’ washing detergent advertising campaign claims that a bit of dirt is good for you).

In John 1:14 we read that ‘The Word became flesh and lived among us’. The Greek says: ‘The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us’. The translator’s permit: ‘The Word became flesh and pitched his tent among us.’ (In the OT, the Tabernacle was a tent: the dwelling place of God with his people).

Our Church Camp at Normanville this weekend provides a fresh opportunity to draw near to God. For in Jesus, God has indeed pitched his tent among the human race.

May the Lord of Creation - be known in our midst. Amen.