Memories of Gratitude
Gratitude can be acknowledged and experienced, “one can experience gratitude for someone or something at a certain moment in time, and someone experiences gratitude more long-term as a positive character trait.” (Positive Psychology, 2017, para. 4). Practicing gratitude disrupts negative thought patterns. The Anxiety and Depression Association explains, “In the world of habits, there’s a treatment approach called Habit Reversal Training. A key component of HRT is using a competing response, an action incompatible with the habit you are trying to break.” (2023, para. 5). Gratitude can be used to combat negative mental habits such as worry, nervousness, and fear.
The camp staff enjoyed a wonderful summer full of memories to be grateful for but have expressed their gratitude individually. Activities Assistant Sarah Thomas defines gratitude as being thankful for all God has given. Recreational Services and Outreach Director Jimmy McNutt says gratitude means being grateful for God’s provision, that we can have a relationship with him, and the ability to rest in his promises. Camp Caretaker David Gatto explains gratitude as a state of well-being and thankfulness, an attitude versus a definition.
An attitude of thankfulness promotes overall feelings of joy and can inspire others to adopt the same behavior. Sarah is thankful for camp, her coworkers, and her church community. Jimmy is pleased to have the Lord’s guidance in helping him be a husband and a father. David is grateful for his relationship with the Lord and his family.
Ending the summer with many joyful memories packed with love, one of Sarah’s favorites was playing human battleship with the campers. This game involved the campers sitting on a tarp and taking turns throwing water balloons at one another. Jimmy shared a memory in which a counselor sat with a camper who had accepted Christ for the first time. David doesn’t always work alongside individuals directly; however, he shared a memory of when he went to the kangaroo court and was accused of making the weather bad. He laughed and explained he would love to oversee the weather.
With a genuine heart, Sarah is excited to be part of a church plant that started this year. Jimmy is pleased with another year of fruitful ministry and how God has provided for the moving parts. David is thankful for the progress made on some of the projects he is working on and for getting to know more of the individuals.
Every year Sarah’s family watches the Polar Express on Thanksgiving Day. One of Jimmy’s family Thanksgiving traditions is playing board games and enjoying their charcuterie board. David’s family goes to his sister’s house to watch football and a parade. David says, “It’s nice to have all of us together.”
Serving at Camp Echoing Hills gave Sarah opportunities to love individuals who don’t receive love from friends as often. Jimmy sees his position as more than a job, he states, “I am thankful that the Lord led me here and for clarity along the way.” David appreciates being part of something bigger than himself, knowing the team is making a difference, and seeing the benefit of a camp that genuinely serves.
Sarah is grateful for Echoing Hills because she sees firsthand the hearts of people on staff and the leadership that supports both staff and individuals. Jimmy is honored to work for an organization that remains true to its mission even after sixty years of ministry. He describes, “Echoing Hills has stuck to extending an evangelistic arm and maintained gospel-centered goals.” David confirms this by testifying to the ministry’s unbelievable work for individuals and staff.
Loving, Caring, and Supportive – Echoing Hills is a place of belonging and friendship. At Camp, each ability and talent is welcomed within the community. Thanksgiving is dedicated to the gift of gratitude, but we are thankful for the sacrifice of Christ every day.
