Camp Rumble-Grumble

Bible Reading: Daniel 12:3; Philippians 2:12-16

The dark sky over Star Mountain Camp rumbled with thunder.

“Macaroni and cheese, everybody freeze!” Rob, the camp counselor, called out over the rowdy summer campers. It had been raining all week, and everyone was getting restless. “For this next game, I’ll need some volunteers,” he announced. Hands shot up all over the rec room. “You and you,” Rob said, pointing to twin brothers Aiden and Connor.

Choruses of “No fair!” and “I was first!!” rose up from the campers.

“Okay, change of plans,” Rob said. “I think what everyone has is a case of the rumble-grumbles. It’s becoming an epidemic!”

“What’s a leopard-demic?” asked one of the younger campers.

“Epidemic,” Rob corrected. “It’s something that spreads—like a bad rash.”

“Ewwww,” said the campers.

“So that’s something we want to fix fast, right?” Rob asked them. Young heads slowly started to nod. “Who remembers our Bible verse for the week?”

The twins raised their hands. “Do everything without grumbling or arguing,” Connor began.

“So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation,” Aiden continued. “Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”

“Everyone follow me,” Rob said. He went outside and pointed at the sky as the group huddled together in the cool night air. “Check out the stars!”

Gazing at the sparkling sky far above them, murmurs of “Wow!” and “Awesome!” drifted up from the campers.

“That’s how Jesus wants you to shine,” Rob told them. “Here at camp, when you go home, at school, wherever you are. How do you think you can do that?”

“I guess one way is to remember everything Jesus has done for us instead of grumbling,” Connor suggested.

“And that He wants us to encourage one another and be nice,” Aiden said.

“Right,” said Rob. “Remember, if you belong to Jesus, you reflect Him—just like those stars in the night sky.” He paused.

All was calm. All was bright.

“Hey!” Aiden exclaimed suddenly. “The sky stopped rumbling!”

Connor grinned. “And the campers have stopped grumbling.” – Kelly Hope

How About You?

Do you find it easy to grumble instead of being loving and encouraging? Remember that those who trust in Jesus shine like stars that stand out in the night sky. When you feel the rumble-grumbles coming on, remember that you belong to Jesus and trust Him to help you reflect His light.

Today’s Key Verse:
Philippians 2:14-15 Do everything without grumbling or arguing…Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Don’t grumble