A good dose of perspective

Hello all. A rare entry from the husband here.

This weekend, whilst Rachel stayed in Sydney being a workaholic for the Gloria Jeans "family" (their words not mine) I had the pleasure of attending the annual camp for the Sunshine home. It was my third year and each year I leave quite humbled because I reckon I learn and receive way more than I give to the "campers" who all suffer from intellectual disabilities to varying degrees.

I am reminded that the message of Jesus is actually very simple and is open to all. I am also reminded that the issues which seemed so important on Friday afternoon are not really that big after all when compared to those that live with pain, isolation and inconvenience most of the time. Fortunately most of the campers have such free spirits that despite their circumstances they are able to transcend these and participate in everything that is on offer over the weekend.

It made me think about what is it about that this camp which is so special and what is it that corporate Australia is spending millions of dollars trying to replicate in the work culture? I 'll let you make up your own minds on that one but I think part of the answer lies in the motivation of the participants both leaders and campers.

The highlight of the weekend for me was the Saturday night concert, in particular three acts. 1. the spontaneous participation of the audience to a Gloria Estafan dance number on CD. 2. One particular performer losing his dentures whilst in a similarly frenetic dance routine 3. and a particularly well rehearsed belly dancing number. As that fella from Australian Idol says "Touchdown".

Rach should be back soon.