Good day, Black Creek Church Family,
The weeks are flying by.  Summer Camp programs are almost half over!
This week I was reminded (by a young person) of a principle that is easy to miss.
After a meal at camp, I was taking my dirty dishes to the 'scrape and rinse station'.
Everyone had cleaned their dishes and cutlery except someone who had left a plate with food and cutlery Soooo obviously by the cleaning bus tray. 
Hmm...
I mentioned to someone standing by, "I guess someone didn't want to finish their job!"
My 1st 'miss'...  sarcasm.  Not a great communication device.
The person I talked to looked at me and said, "I just have to assume that the person who left it there had something urgent to attend to and hasn't gotten back yet." 
Ouch.
2nd 'miss'...  I assumed the worst... they assumed the best.
Wow, what a huge difference in how to look at a simple situation!
I want to shift to that perspective.
Thinking the Best - First.
I find it sooooo easy to slip into 'critical mode'.
So I asked, "What is at the root of this thought pattern?"
What keeps me 'missing' the mark?
Answer.... 
P R I D E.... 
Ouch.
Sometimes because I am older and possibly 'wiser,'  I think I know better..... than 'them'
Wow,...Ouch. 
 This weekend we wrap up the surveys.
Check the attached bulletin links for your last chance to do them.
We will look at some outcomes and thoughts in the fall.
To date, there have been:
#1 - Our Church Story - 46 responses
#2 - How we have changed - 40 responses
#3 - Stewarding God's 'Talents' - 29 responses
Thank you all who participated.  
 Proverbs 16:18    Pride goes before destruction,     
and a haughty spirit before a fall.

19    It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor     

than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20    Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good,     
and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
21    The wise of heart is called discerning,     
and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
 
O Lord, thank you for revealing my heart of pride.
and reminding me of the principle of Humility
In that thinking well of others FIRST will come naturally, 
This is Your way.
I want to live like that 
more and more.
Blessings on your week,
Listen for His instructions
Their source might surprise you! 
Peter Jackson
Pastoral Team
Black Creek Community Church