The power of standing still
Last summer, I worked as a camp counselor at a camp for Christian Scientists in Maine.
The summer was filled with spiritual growth and joy. However, as the weeks progressed, I became overwhelmed by the long hours and the unpredictability that came with taking care of the campers. I struggled to feel peace in my day-to-day activities.
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One afternoon, I was on a walk with some campers, picking raspberries. I was feeling particularly burdened and wasn’t able to sort through my racing thoughts.
Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my foot. I looked down to find that I’d stepped on a nest of yellow jackets—which were now stinging me.
For a moment, I was afraid, but then I thought about the camp’s metaphysical theme—a spiritual idea we think about all summer long. It was from the Bible: “Fear ye not, stand still” (Exodus 14:13). To me, this was a reminder to pause and listen to God, which helps us overcome fear, since God gives us thoughts that provide comfort, guidance, and peace. This should be our response to any situation so that we can hear God, who is all-knowing, infinite wisdom, telling us what to do.
I became overwhelmed by the long hours and the unpredictability that came with taking care of the campers.
As I paused and listened to God, I knew that I would be OK because I knew that my purpose at camp—to express joy and to be there for my campers—couldn’t be hurt, attacked, or threatened.
I also needed to take practical action to protect my campers from the yellow jackets. Since I was listening to God, I knew I’d have the direction I needed.
Even in my moments of pain, I was able to quickly and calmly tell my campers to run in the other direction. By taking the time to mentally stand still, I was able to make choices that helped others be safe. The yellow jackets stopped stinging me, and I calmly sat down and called for help from camp staff, who brought me to a Christian Science practitioner.
The practitioner shared with me the idea that a selfless and loving motive couldn’t leave a mark on my summer. My love for my job as a counselor, as well as for nature and exploring, transcended any apparent danger or disturbance because that love comes from God, who is Love. I could never be separated from Love.
When I returned to camp, I was met with tremendous love and care. I felt the love from the campers and the other counselors, and it brought me a lot of comfort and peace.
When I woke up the next morning, I didn’t even check my foot because I knew it was fine. There wasn’t any pain, and I was able to do my job that day with joy and freedom.
For the rest of the summer, I continued reminding myself of the importance of mentally standing still. Not only did it help me with the healing of my foot, but it also contributed to my feeling much more peaceful for the rest of the summer. I’ve learned the value of approaching any situation by standing still and listening for God’s direction.
