Editors Note: Throughout the spring, Bernadette – one of our amazing Servant Leadership Missionaries – has been blogging about her experience serving at Camp Gray. Read Part 1 & Part 2 & Part 3. Enjoy!

By: Bernadette Diodati

“Wash the plate not because it is dirty nor because you are told to wash it, but because you love the person who will use it next.” -St. Thérèse of Lisieux

One of the greatest joys of working as a missionary here at Camp Gray is the ability to have fun no matter what we are doing. It is all about having a positive and joyful attitude – whether it be helping prep for meals, leading a team building activity, playing large group games, roasting s’mores and singing camp songs, or vacuuming after a retreat is over – even the most mundane tasks become enjoyable when you wear a smile on your face or whistle while you work. Seeing delight reflected on the faces of the retreatants makes it that much more worthwhile.

The other day all of the missionaries and our lovely coordinator, Clair, ended up cleaning in the kitchen together and it was a blast. We joked that there were too many cooks in the kitchen, but we really felt a sense of togetherness as we danced around one another to put back the plates, cups, and utensils. Many hands make light work, and we finished just in time for our meeting. Moments like that do not come around often, but when they do, I try and soak up every minute of it.

I look up to Mother Theresa and St. Thérèse of Lisieux for their little ways — finding joy in serving God through each task, no matter how seemingly trivial or monotonous. They turned simple actions into extraordinary ones. St. Thérèse of Lisieux reminds us to “Wash the plate not because it is dirty nor because you are told to wash it, but because you love the person who will use it next.” After washing several plates, it can be difficult to remember that, but God tells us that one of the greatest commandments is loving your neighbor and through Camp I am able to witness that firsthand. I never realized how much every little bit matters, or at least not to the extent that I do now.

It’s hard to believe this fun journey is coming to an end soon. It’s been a fantastic year, though, and I’m thankful for the time I had here.

Thanks for tuning in!