Article June 28, 2010 ISSUE

A LESSON FROM MOSES' MOTHER

BY HOLLY BUCHANAN

A FEW YEARS AGO, my teenage daughter was leaving for an overnight solo experience in the forest. This was an approved part of a leadership training program at a summer camp for Christian Scientists. Teens take a bagged meal, a bottle of water, a flashlight, a few matches, the clothes on their backs, and the Bible and Science and Health out to a secluded place near the camp. They build a brush shelter and campfire, which they've been trained to do, and then spend the night in contemplation, prayer, and appreciation of the natural beauty around them.

Working as a "Camp Mom" that summer, I'd watched many young people, including my son, go out with trepidation and return to camp the next morning with confidence and joy. On several occasions, I'd had the privilege of sharing pertinent metaphysical ideas with the teens in preparation for this adventure and praying for them during the night. Later, the campers told of praying through their fears about animals, storms, darkness, and being alone, learning to trust God's comfort and care. This was an opportunity for spiritual growth, and now my daughter would finally get her turn!