Rock Pile of Consequences

"When I pondered to understand this, it was troublesome in my sight. Until I came into the sanctuary of God; then I perceived their end." Psalm 73:16

During my time I spent each summer at Camp Joy (see post; Camp Joy) I always pondered a sight I would behold with each passing day of that week.

Let me paint a picture for you, okay?

As the big church buses would pull into the drive in front of the main building for all of us campers to unload, there was this big wide open yard area that led up to the front doors. The ground in front of this building was like powdery sand with millions of little pebbles scattered all around. One would think how nice of an outside landscaping this was but our counselors saw it as something else.

Now by the end of the week the tiny pebbles had been gathered and collected into a heaping, mountainous structure for all to see. During the week, at any given time, day or night you would find a young camper (of the male origin; almost always) picking up these rocks and building this structure (not out of a desire to exercise his architectural expertise) but as a punishment of a mischievous act he had committed.

All week I took to my wondering mind as I watched these juveniles in the sweltering summer sun walking around, picking up these small rocks and adding them to the pile. Over and over again I would find these prisoners paying their duty instead of having fun and enjoying the "camp life".

It was surely a troublesome sight to me. I didn't understand why they couldn't just obey the rules and own their freedom of fun filled days until I realized as I got older that your actions carry consequences and those consequences can be burdensome, especially when dealt out to make you aware of your disobedience.

You see, these boys soon learned the wrongness of their behavior and had to pay for it not only in picking up these pebbles and piling them into a mound but also by being viewed by all as we entered and exited the main hall. It was a tough payment for crimes committed, but I think for most of them they learned their lesson on obeying the camp rules.

The psalmist presented inquiries to the Lord, and his example encourages us to do the same. Asking questions doesn't mean we'll fully understand every matter during our time on earth. God reveals what He sees best. We can trust His wisdom and be assured He will bring about justice in every circumstance, whether He enacts it now or waits for eternity. God is just, His character confirms He'll make all things right. I hope I never have to 'pick up rocks' to learn a lesson but if I do I will surely ponder the reason behind it. God is just, He makes all things right.

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, forgive me of my sin; for my failures and shortcomings, when I have disobeyed You and gone my own way. May I seek You with my whole heart; fully trusting in Your truth and glorifying You always. In Jesus' name. Amen.