When human beings have finished, they are just beginning - Ecclesiastes 4:11

Congrats! We did it – we survived and thrived another year of summer camp!!  

And as another day rolls past and the post SC #depresso lays in, we’re left asking ourselves, “What just happened? And what now?” 

We can sometimes embody the simplicity of a cute puppy dog (every doggo loving girls dream come true) let me explain, when you show a dog a treat, it’s all they can focus on, but take it away and it ceases to exist in its mind until it’s revealed again.  

Sometimes this can be like faith, we can have these huge mountain top experiences, that feel (and are) so real, but then after it’s finished, we’re left questioning and sometimes confused as to what happened and where to go from there.

You may have heard EmmanuelWorship sing the line ‘Emmanuel’, this means “God is with us”. But if you’re anything like me sometimes it’s so hard to feel like God is actually with me after Summercamp – without the Rallies and transformational worship ministry, like minded friends going through the same thing, random D&Ms that shed clarity, and honestly just not being at school for a little longer!          

We can sometimes feel after it’s all finished a bit stuck, and a little confused as to where to turn. BUT know that you are not crazy, or alone, and this IS curable.  

Sometimes we can feel like we’re gasping for a breath in this big world which is moving a million beats a second. I can get to easily caught up and lose focus, and become overwhelmed with what’s in front of me.  

There’s a awesome saint called Padre Pio, (you won’t be disappointed if you give him a google) once said “Prayer is the oxygen of the soul.”  

If you had a solid dip in the pool or did some mad bombs, then you’ll know that feeling when you’re still submerged and your lungs are bursting to get to the surface with a satisfying crisp mouthful of air. And actually – the same goes for our soul. That it needs the refreshing gasp of air, but rather than oxygen, a relationship with Jesus.  

Sometimes, we all need some CPR, that is, spiritual CPR.

C - connect: Surround yourself with positive and Christ like relationships! It’s easy to get caught up in superficial relationships based on popularity, bad decisions, instagram likes, but what you discovered at Summercamp doesn’t have to be left there. Instead, stay in contact with those you met, and seek out friendships which give you the freedom to be yourself, and provide security in sharing the life changing experiences you’ve had at summer camp!

P - pray: Look, I’m no saint, and I definitely find it hard to pray sometimes! we all do! this trick is not to put unrealistic expectations on yourself after this big experience. Instead of attempting 15 Rosaries a day, 3 daily masses and 2 hours of personal prayer, KEEP IT SIMPLE, follow through with what you can work into your daily routine even if it’s just five minutes in the morning, and 5 at night. Jesus values and loves all our prayers no matter the length.

R - routinely: Experts say it takes about 2 months for a behavior to become automatic, while that sounds long, put into perspective the habits you have now, whether negative or positive, it is worth forming some regarding prayer post Summercamp so you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and isolated simply yearning and waiting for the next one- start prepping for the next Summercamp now creating a new positive routine that will help you flourish and get more out of the next camp!