Everything isn't terrible

Camp comes to a close

I originally wrote it on a postcard as a joke. “Everything isn’t terrible.” Something about this not-quite-inspiring phrase set against a beautiful backdrop made me laugh. I imagined someone receiving the postcard and feeling like it was a motivational quote written by someone who is very sad.

Which … well … guilty. It me.

So, I added it to my growing stack of drawings I don’t share. Then a funny thing happened. Months went by and the phrase “everything isn’t terrible” continued to rattle around in my head:

An extended session of doom-scrolling social media? Breathe, Brad. That’s not the full picture. Everything isn’t terrible. After a long week of work discouragements? Look around, Brad. Remember - everything isn’t terrible. Another enormous expense I wasn’t expecting? Stepped barefoot on a LEGO? Ok… really… struggling here… but …

Ok. Fine. Everything still isn’t terrible.

I’ve spent the last 2 months working at a camp. It’s my 8th summer. I’ve been sharing a few glimpses of the journey here. But nothing truly captures the joy or the exhaustion or the plain camp weirdness you find being with hundreds of kids in record west Tennessee heat (and rain). I got a front-row seat at a team of highly-trained, deeply-committed directors, counselors, and support staff doing remarkable work. I spent time with some of the most truly talented and unforgettable young people I’ve ever met. I was reminded … daily: there is so much good.

I wish I could tell you everything is wonderful.

I wish I could tell you there was nothing to worry about.

I wish I could say that of the more than 1300 campers we’ve worked with this summer none of them know deep pain, trauma, or tragedy.

But here’s the truth:

There’s lots of young people walking rough roads. Over the course of a summer, campers open up about family dramas, physical challenges, mental health struggles— hurts of all sizes. We know this going in. It’s why all the counselors and staff spend months training and preparing.

It is an absolute blast working with young people. It is also sometimes completely heartbreaking.

I’m happy to report, though, everything isn’t terrible. There’s also a lot of good. I’m ending this summer with a long list of kids, counselors, experiences, and wonders that give me oodles of hope. Young people continue to be infinitely creative (especially when it comes to playful pranks). They are brave. They are curious. They are caring. They are hilarious. You’ll be pleased to know there is still a sense of awe, disgust, and joy when someone laughs so much drink comes out their nose. They can make wise choices. They can ask tough questions. Kids. are. amazing.

Oh, and Gayle! You don’t know Gayle, but you should know Gayle. Yes, it’s true it’s a tough world out there for young people, but wow. There’s also a Gayle. She’s been serving kids at this camp for many years now. Her deep faith keeps her showing up. Being around someone like that increases your faith, too, you know? You see that a life of service is possible and are reminded there’s good. I hope you know someone like Gayle.

Add to the list: sunrises and sunsets. Coffee. The center portion of cinnamon rolls. Joy. Hope. Love.

Everything, truly, is not terrible.

My list of things worth having hope about grows by the day. Speaking honestly, so does my list of things I worry about. The ongoing work for me is to not forget either list. Both deserve to be heard.

A few years back I set up a 1-800 number where people could send me a voicemail to share something that brings them hope. Take a listen to some of them:

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So, as I write this to you all today, I am home, but a little under the weather. Thankful for medicine and sleep. Camp has ended. New adventures begin… soon. Today I hang on to those things which remind me how good things can be. I hope you can find many things today to add to your list.

All this from a guy who is a bit less sad and a lot more hopeful than when he first wrote on that postcard. Just a message to you: everything isn’t terrible. There’s a you.

What would you add to a list of things that gives you hope?

Three things!

1. Invisible Things! My friends Andy & Sophie have a wonderful new picture book out. I think you’ll love it.

2. Movie Made With Dolls! My daughter and wife made a short film out of dolls and it’s a gripping drama you must see. Look out, Barbie!

3. Shop Montague Workshop! We got stuffs. I’d love to send you some of it. Will even sign it or include a note if you’d like. Thanks for supporting!