This is not an athletic post so please read on, even if you are not an athlete and don’t give one rip about it. 

In the absence of a youth pastor I have made a commitment to visit our church camp each week that we have a camper.  Little did I know that we would have one or two every week this summer!    Anyway, the trip takes about an hour and I have taken someone with me each week to either see the camp or because I want to spend some time with them.  Yesterday (Wednesday) I made the trip to visit one of our young girls who was a camper.  Amanda knew I was coming because I looked at her Sunday and said, “I am coming to see you this week.”  I think I scared her because she started crying and hid.  I have that affect on people.  Actually, I am just kidding.  She was with her dad and told her parents that she was looking forward to seeing me.   I had another reason for seeing Amanda also.  She had told me Sunday that she was seriously thinking of being baptized at camp.  (Okay her dad said that but she definitely smiled at me when he said it).  She still had a few questions about it and wanted to talk to me.  It was so cool!  Amanda was in the pool and when she saw me she got out of the pool and while sopping wet came over and hugged me.  I have to admit that I was flying high with the reception.  So, we went over to a picnic table and after some small talk about her week, I asked her what she wanted to ask me.  With all seriousness she looked me straight in the eye and said, “How do I keep pace with what I want to do?  How do I stay on course?”  Are you kidding me?  Have I told you that Amanda will be 10 this coming Tuesday?

But get a load of that question!!  How many adults do you know ask that question before making the all-important decision to follow Jesus?  When you stop to think about it, that was the very issue Jesus was addressing in Luke 14 when He talked about the cost of discipleship.  I commended Amanda for asking such a good (insightful) question then talked to her about Jesus saying the same thing.  I used the example of her parents talking about building an addition on to their house, getting started with the floor and frame and then realizing they don’t have enough money for the roof.  Many people start out in their Christian life without thinking of what it involves.   She understood what I meant and when I was all done she had no more questions.  And…just in case you are wondering…I took her to Acts 2:42 to show her how to keep pace.  Spend time in the Bible.  Be involved with other Christians.  Maintain a close relationship with Jesus.  Pray.  She got it!  I should also add that she has very involved parents in this process who have walked with her all through the process.

So…I would like to hear from you.  What do you think of Amanda’s question?  Have you taken the time to ask it yourself?  How would you have answered her if you had been me?  (Feel free to disagree or elaborate).  I would like to hear your thoughts.