The thing about Newday is that it makes you feel like you're living out Ground Hog Day. Didn't we just do all of this a year ago?
The thing about Newday is that you reunite with your 'once a year' friends, and realise again how wonderful these people are, as they serve the next generation.
The thing about Newday is that you see people working in their gifting, and it's a fantastic thing to see.
The thing about Newday is the epic cafes, even though the youth have been fed by fantastic church catering teams.
The thing about Newday is that you eat more carbs than you've ever solely eaten in one week, in a room which is louder than any room you've eaten in before.
The thing about Newday is the amazing cleaning team, who have to deal with all sorts of nasties, and they're always smiling!
The thing about Newday is the exhaustion you feel; maybe it's the camping, the carbs, the emotions, the hours, the people...maybe your lilo went down, or maybe it's the walking, or the toddler not napping, or the serving, maybe it's all of the above.
The thing about Newday is that someone is always doing a job, which you just couldn't do, or wouldn't want to do, or wouldn't know how to do.
The thing about Newday is the Health & Safety team saying yes to the fighting, trapezing dinosaurs and the kids covered in gunge.
The thing about Newday is that you can doubt yourself or compare yourself; maybe they make it to more meetings than you, maybe they get to go to less, maybe they're up front and you'd like that, or maybe they are never seen, and perhaps that is the dream.
The thing about Newday is that you can't quite see how putting your excited, 'out of routine', feral child back into a caravan bed for three hours is really adding anything to the event.
The thing about Newday is that more than three times a day, you do not know where said feral child is, but usually someone else does.
The thing about Newday is the amazing clouds which seem more intense in Norfolk, and the rainbows of promise.
The thing about Newday is the diversity; whether it be through rap or through strings, through pancakes or jerk chicken, through inner city London or the beaches of cornwall.
The thing about Newday is when your youth come and visit, and you act all breezy when you're just so pleased to see them, and to hear that one of them has even showered.
The thing about Newday is you hit a wall, you throw your hands up, and slump down on a flat lilo or a grassy cushion and you have a bit of a cry.
The thing about Newday is the kids work full of friendly faces, welcoming the sad or happy little ones.
The thing about Newday is the copious amounts of sugar which can be consumed. Every day is sweetie day.
The thing about Newday is the neighbours; you just have to put up with them! And the poo stories, and the laughter.
The thing about Newday is the damp, smelly clothes which live in the corner of a tent, growing their own vegetation.
The thing about Newday is that there are young people everywhere, and they stay up really late, whereas babies and children wake up really early. It's a fun combination!
The thing about Newday is that some people are in a seminar learning stuff, or in a prayer meeting hearing from God, and you're walking around a campsite pushing a buggy, feeding the occupant some snacks.
The thing about Newday is dancing outrageously in worship, or standing quietly still while everyone else dances to the beat.
The thing about Newday is catching the wow moments; your child falls asleep on the floor of the big top, and you hear the preach, or the testimonies. Or maybe your child is awake, and clearly meeting with God, or a friend prays for you, or just understands where you're at.
The thing about Newday is when an eleven year old boy, gives his heart to Jesus, and so does the next and the next and the next, until one hundred and fourteen young teens suddenly realise what Jesus has done for them, and make a stand to follow Him.
The thing about Newday is watching the team your husband works so closely with, (for this crazy week), bawl their eyes out because of this. Because this is what they are here for.
The thing about Newday is hearing the 308 who have found God's love and forgiveness for the first time, and more who have been reminded, and have found His love for the second time, or even third, or fourth...
The thing about Newday is hearing the hundreds of young people who have been healed from physical and mental illnesses, and those that have been set free from other things which have bound their young lives for too long.
The thing about Newday is the perspective, the bigger picture. It's the putting aside of the hard bits, and seeing why this event is put on, why it's important to equip the next generation to live a life which glorifies God, confident in Him always having their back.
The thing about Newday is watching young people experience forgiveness and be inspired to make a difference, to take the gospel of Christ to others and to live the adventure He wants for them.
The thing about Newday is that it is worth it. It's just so worth it.
"For the Lord is good, and His love endures forever;his faithfulness continues through all generations". Psalm 100v5
I love you! Wonderful and real as always. Keep being you Emma. You inspire and bless so many people 😊
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