Friday, December 15, 2023

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1b-3a

Illustrated by Grayson Myers, age 8

Last fall my husband and I became empty nesters when my youngest, Grace, started college. Fourteen months later, I can happily report that having an empty nest is pretty awesome. A year ago, however, I was really struggling. It seemed impossible that my baby child could be old enough to be on her own. She was too far away, and I was worried.

On the morning of SMPC’s 2022 Alternative Gift Market, I walked over to the Camp Grier display feeling nostalgic – my girls loved Camp Grier and went to camp there for years. The representative walked over, and stunned, I blurted, “Are you Beth???” It was, in fact, Beth! Grace’s first ever Camp Grier counselor when she had just finished second grade. One, I couldn’t believe I recognized Beth. Two, I couldn’t believe that I was going to get to tell Beth how instrumental she was in Grace becoming the person she is today.

Four months prior, while I was helping Grace pack up, trying to pretend like I was not worried sick and super sad, Grace told me a story I had not heard before about the impact her Camp Grier counselor BETH had on her when she was eight. Beth taught her that it was okay to be your own person. Grace loved Beth, and she paid attention. Grace told me that she thought back to Beth often over the years as she made her way through middle and high school.

I felt relieved that Grace had a whole other positive female role model that I didn’t even know about! Grace telling me that story about Beth made it easier for me to watch her leave for college–understanding that Grace is her own person, and she was ready for the next stage of her life.

I am very thankful for Beth, and I’m also thankful that I got to see Beth at SMPC and tell her that story.  I am also grateful for Grace’s Confirmation mentor, Maria Davis, for her loving presence and her role in Grace’s faith formation.  And I am grateful that God led Rebecca, Lindsey and Zach to SMPC to guide and nurture all our young people.

Dear God, thank you for all the angels that love and nurture our children. And when we worry about our children, help us to remember that they are named and loved by you.  Amen

Mary Katheryne Zagora, SMPC Financial Administrator and Office Manager

SMPC has reserved some spots at Camp Grier for rising 4^th-6^th graders the week of June 23^rd, and we are encouraging anyone who wants to try the camp out to attend that week. For more information, contact Director of Spiritual Formation Rebecca Guzman

Subscribe to our Advent Devotionals to receive them daily in your inbox!