Now – WHY would I have a post with just a photo of sleeping bag?

We have this wonderfully big van.  I was happy to be asked to drive some of the youth group to their retreat in Canandaigua Friday night. 

Saturday morning at 7 A.M. I got a text from Stewart that he didn’t have his sleeping bag.  I asked how he slept.  He used his towel and a towel of his friend.

Sure enough – I went out to the van and there was his sleeping bag. 

Here is what I think happened.  His sleeping bag was on the top of a PILE of items in the back of the van.  As kids unloaded the back, that bag must have gotten pushed forward into the seat.  Stewart, in particular, helped to unload a bunch of boxes of supplies the youth pastor had for the weekend.  The kids were instructed to quickly dump their stuff in their cabins and hurry to dinner.  Stewart headed off with his load and I got back to the van. 

This is the killer… I DID check the back, AND I opened the side door and looked UNDER the seats.  I did not climb into the van and look into the back seat. 

Now – some people said I was “TOO NICE” because I drove it down to him.  I should have had him “LEARN A LESSON.”

But I have a few thoughts. 

First – he was busy unloading things for others and probably got confused by the number of trips he’d already made.

Second – I took off without checking thoroughly, and without saying goodbye.

Third – and most importantly – I have been extended new mercies by Jesus over and over and over.  In my head I heard, “Do not with hold good from another when it is in your power to do so” paraphrased.

And so I headed down to camp a second time.