My family enjoy camping. For many years we have taken some time off during the July school holidays and headed to outback Australia exploring some beautiful and unique locations. We tend to do the type of camping that means we are self-sufficient – no powered sites, sleeping in tents or swags, cooking food using a gas camp stove or an open fire, and travelling to remote locations.  

We have crossed the Simpson Desert a few times and it is an amazing experience. It takes a lot of preparation as we need to be self-reliant and set up to be out on our own for days. But the vast open spaces, the sense of peace and the unique environment make it all worthwhile. 

One of my favourite parts of being in the middle of a desert is after the sun goes down. Don’t tell me about all the critters out there, I try to ignore them, but I enjoy sitting by a campfire and switching off from the busyness of everyday life. When the fire starts to burn down and the night becomes darker, it becomes apparent how amazing and beautiful the night sky is. I spend a lot of time gazing at the millions of stars shining brightly in the open sky and marvelling at how beautiful the night sky is.  

It also amazes me that when the stars are out and there is a full moon, I don’t need to use a torch to see my way around at night. The light of the moon and stars is enough for me to see my way around camp. One thing I know for sure is that I would not like to be in the middle of a desert at night without some form of light. When in the midst of darkness, in the middle of nowhere, I am always grateful to have some form of light to help me find my way.  

This week, we have been celebrating our special Week of Worship program. The theme for the week is Shine and each morning, we have spent time singing praises to God and listening to the words of our guest Speaker Pr Tim. We have been reminded that Jesus is the light of the world; through him, we should shine His love in all that we do and say, in small ways, big ways, and in any way we can.  

Let us shine like stars in the sky, holding firmly to the word of life (Philippians 2:15-16)