Walk-a-mile(s)

“Will you walk with me as I lead walk-a-mile this evening?” he nervously asked her Wednesday morning during Jr High week at Camp Luz on July 10, 1974.

He had strategically intercepted her near the volleyball court as she was going about her duties. She had captured his attention earlier in the week as she worked in the kitchen and during light-hearted conversation as they washed dishes. He was a counselor to 11 jr. high boys in cabin 22.

Amazingly she quickly said, “yes”, and flashed a beautiful smile. His heart fluttered as he forced a smile in return and moved on to his duties. As the day quickly went by filled with duties as camp counselor with teens in a variety of recreational, social and worship activities he was distracted with anticipation and anxiety. She was glad for the busy-ness of her kitchen duties.

FYI – “Walk-a-mile” was a social activity intended as a boy-girl mixer. Walking together holding hands in line – one can imagine the anxiety, sweaty hands, forced conversations, and manipulation of “rules” – with several runners trading places and sending the next runner up or back a number of places. We will let you be the “judge” as the how positive and healthy the activity really is.

The 19 year old farm boy came to Luz as a break from the farm. At Luz he discovered a passion of what he would later learn was entitled “youth ministry.” The 16 year old girl came to Luz to serve, she enjoyed being in the kitchen; and, it was six weeks of summer employment. Both came seeking friendships and a desire to “serve” God.

Finally, as the sun was setting, it was time for “walk-a-mile.” She joined him at the front of the line with her smile and spoke softly. He pretended to be in charge of the activity giving instructions, counting people and assigning several counselors to bring up the end of the lines; in truth he couldn’t wait to get started.

“Ready?”, he nervously asked as he looked at her and extended his right hand. She responded by slipping her hand into his. The conversation was light, mostly about where to go as they led the lines around the camp grounds. As they walked they heard laughter, voices and awkwardness. As was typical, some wanted the activity to end quickly, others wanted it to go for a long time; such is the “joy” of being an early teen. Walking around the lake was mandatory and a beautiful time for this “new” couple. As they returned to the well-lit area near the dining hall he announced the end. Their hands fell apart and they quietly went their separate ways. He had to lead cabin devotions, quiet the boys down and hope for a good night’s sleep. She retreated to the camp staff quarters smiling and laughing as co-workers grilled her with questions; she wanted to get to sleep because her kitchen duties started early in the morning.

Neither one was aware this was the beginning!  Yet, both hoped for more time together. The week passed quickly with their duties and responsibilities. Yet, both anticipated meal times in the dining hall where they would pass occasional glances. He willingly washed dishes several more times just to be near to her. Saturday morning came, he was sure to find her to say good-bye. Both hoped for another time together. She hoped he would call her soon or stop by the camp to visit her during her free time; he began to scheme how he would connect with her again.

Three years later, to the day, the couple would exchange marriage vows on the ball field.

Forty years later, today, Julie and I celebrate what has become a life-long friendship and companionship. We share our story because we want to remember and celebrate our beginnings as a couple. We want our children and grandchildren to know our beginnings. We celebrate with thanksgiving in our hearts; for us, the words of Randy Murray about Camp Luz are so true, “Welcome to Camp Luz, another place where God is.”

And, may you be encouraged to remember and celebrate the stories of the origins of the friendships you cherish today.