L.I.F.E. Live it fully everyday.

This was on the back of a camper's shirt this week, and the moment I read it I could feel the succinct impact of the statement. This Wednesday Vanderbilt brought children from their burn unit to our campsite for four days of summer activities with "Camp Hope." The nonprofit organization enabled children that had suffered greatly to get away from their troubles and receive healing, both physically and emotionally.

Throughout my entire summer spent at 4H camp, I have to say that this week has been one of the most inspirational to me. Though there were far fewer kids, and I didn't really see them often because of my schedule, the few times I interacted with them were really special. I don't know if it was because of their situations or because my interactions were more activity-based than usual (because usually I'm telling them how to help clean up the dining hall), but I got to see a side of them that I hadn't noticed in the children throughout the rest of the summer.

They were happy-- so truly, extremely happy-- I could see the joy in their eyes when they waited in line for the slip 'n slide and talked to the firefighters volunteering. They were grateful; I had seen kids all summer take what they had for granted each week, but the children this week seemed to be honestly grateful for the opportunity to be at camp. They were kind. I watched older kids volunteering to help the younger ones go through the relay race before they went themselves, I heard about "compliment jars" that the kids were making, and I saw the genuine kindness that the children brought to camp.

It's a beautiful moment when children open your eyes to the world. These kids had been through a lot, and they knew not to take life for granted. So often I feel like we just let life slip by us, barely even aware of what's going on. These children took life seriously and enjoyed every bit of it that they could. I've been inspired to live my life more fully, not taking the slightest thing for granted. I've been richly blessed, and I don't want that to go to waste.

I want to see the joy in life like these children do. Happiness is a beautiful thing, and to carry joy with you is to carry beauty within you. I want to be grateful for the little things in life. Life is better when you're thankful for it. I want to show kindness to everyone I come into contact with. The smallest thing can make a person's day a million times better. Be the light in some one else's life.

L.I.F.E. Live it fully everyday.