Texas Camps Benediction

It has been emotional and staggering at best. I am not sure how to process all of it.

I asked folks to share some camp songs that they use as a closing for their campfire, or closing night, or last morning of camp.

I got all sorts of responses: "Friends, Taps, Go Now In Peace, Pass It On, Linger, Shalom Chaverim, I Need You To Survive, Scout Vespers, Shooting Star, First Day Smile, Lean On Me, On The Loose, and more.

As I looked up each of these, they all invoke and draw on the spirit of tradition, relection, gratitude, and farewell.

I reflected on my own campfires and summers from long ago.

Yours truly and son, Brian/Shmoo

I thought about those camp directors and their work.

Those smiles and the thousands of lives they influenced.

I am inspired to share this benediction based on those closing songs and campfires. It is a compilation of closing songs and hymns.

Day is done, gone the sun, From the lake, from the hills, from the sky— But the warmth of this place, Still lingers in our hearts, and will not die.

It only takes a spark to get a fire going, And once you’ve felt that glow, You carry it in the quiet moments, Even as you go.

Go now in peace, never be afraid— Though the stars begin to rise and the fire starts to fade, This love, once lit, will find its way, And guide your steps beyond today. Shalom, chaverim—peace, dear friends, farewell, In every goodbye, a sacred story to tell. We came as strangers, we leave as kin, Bound by the songs that still echo within. Friends are friends forever, if the Lord’s the Lord of them, And though the trail bends far and wide, The bonds we formed in sacred time Will hold us on the other side.

All is well, safely rest—God is nigh. Even as we pack the memories and sigh, We know this isn’t really “the end,” But the beginning of the light we send. And when the night is quiet, and you feel alone, Recall the campfire’s glow and the laughter you've known. Sing softly to the stars, with voices we've shared— The Spirit of this place still meets you there. So now, go in peace, walk boldly, stay kind— Let grace be the compass, and love not far behind. The fire may be low, but it’s not truly gone— Until we meet again... carry it on.

As a prayerful person and a person of faith, I add in my prayers for all the families impacted by that terrible day.

...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

     I encircle each of you in the white light of God’s love and divine protection throughout each day.