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Dear Shiloh Family,

It was the third day of kid football (strength and agility) camp. The sun was near its peak, and the temps were approaching mid 80's. We were bumping the halfway point of a 4-hour session and the group of 1st graders (we called them the wild bunch) was approaching our drill, scurrying like an overturned nest of field mice.

"OK guys, line up in front of coach at the yellow cone." I barked. 
One little guy rolled his eyes and whined," I don't want to line up."
"Well, why not? We’re having fun."
He stared at me for a moment and his reply went something like, 
"I'm thirsty, I'm tired, and besides that, I don't even want to be here."

We all laughed, and he eventually finished the day. He even had a bit of fun when we topped off the training with an exciting game of capture the flag (football) - and his team won.

This little guy was like one or two others in the mix. They were there for one reason and one reason only. Mama discovered that she could pay a mere $100.00 - and for three days, four hours a day, she could place her tiny terror in the hands of capable baby sitters. 

On the flip side, there were several other up-and-coming gridiron greats who were just as exhausted, and yet, at the sound of the last whistle, they were begging for more. In fact, they were even more physically spent because they gave their all every drill and every play. 

Little guys like that are rare. They just love the game of football and all that goes with it. 

Did I mention the coaches? We're all happy to be there. We love the game, we love kids, we love spending time with our team, and we love on another.
 
However, three days, 12 hours, and 40 kids later, we welcomed the much-needed break. So, we celebrated end of camp with a self-indulging meal at Bea's Restaurant. 

Psalm 122:1: 122 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. KJV

It is interesting, but not always flattering that life experiences are much like church. There are those who attend church to appease the spouse. Some attend out of obligation or tradition. And others bring the kids to get educated on religion and spiritual matters. It's easier to let the church do it than it is to live it. 

The faithful few can’t get enough church. When the preacher preaches 15 minutes too long, they still hang around until the caretaker herds them out the door. Even when exhausted, they ask for more ministry to the point of burnout. Those folks just love the church and everything about it. 

Oh, did I mention the leaders? They love the people, they love the church, they love all ministries, and they love the Lord. However, solitude is rare and sleep is relevant, relevant to what time you go to bed, the hour you rise, and the thoughts and burdens that occupy your mind and chase away sweet repose.

But the Lord is faithful, His grace is sufficient, and His love is endless. It is the love of Jesus, the grace of God, and the power of His Holy Spirit that keeps us going. And just think; one day we will celebrate around the table at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb - a meal prepared by God Himself for the bride of His son. 

Our heavenly Father is worth the effort. I guess you can say, "He is a good, good, Father!" That’s who he is. 

Many of you are good fathers as well. Thanks for all you do, and Happy Father's Day to all of our dads. I also share a kindred spirit with those of you who will not have the privilege of hugging Dad this Sunday. Our heavenly Father knows, sees, and cares. 

Please, pray for our church family and especially for your ministry leaders as they enjoy much needed time away this Summer. I pray that you all get rest and come back rejuvenated in the Lord. Remember why we do what we do and for whom we do it.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15
14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. NKJV

If we served only for earthly things, our blessings would only be attached to earthly beings.

God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell