VBS Thoughts

Vacation Bible School, or VBS, is often coupled with raised eyebrows and looks of panic as people remember the exhaustion associated with the loooong week. Are you smiling because you can relate? Yet, year after year, many of us continue to invest our time and energy into this endeavor.

I attended my first VBS during high school, where I helped kids with their daily crafts. At that time, I was brand-spanking-new to youth group. I did not know what "VBS" stood for and was too embarrassed to ask. I didn't attend church regularly as a child, so all the Bible stories were new to me...and I soaked them up like a sponge. VBS touched me for the first time when I was 16 years old. While VBS is not "planned" for teens, it certainly impacted my world. Not only did it introduce me to the story of Daniel in the Lions Den, it allowed me to experience people of all ages, men, women, teens, singles, marrieds, parents and grandparents...all working together. Countless moments of laughter, quiet helpfulness, endless love and sacrificial service. Yes, I thought, this VBS thing (whatever it stands for!) is pretty neat. I want to help with this again.

So I did!

I have been privileged to help with VBS for more than a decade. Yes, I did say privileged. That's honestly how I feel: I am lucky and honored to, perhaps, have a teeny-tiny part in the faith formation of children in my church and in my community. In fact, I venture to say that people who know Jesus should maintain that perspective every day! What?!? Did I just say we should have VBS year round?

Nah.

I'm just saying we should, daily, be a refection of Jesus' character. The Jesus who said, "Let the children come to me." The Jesus who walked day and night (He must have been exhausted!) to meet people's needs, who stopped what He was doing to heal a woman who believed only He could heal her. The Jesus who, above all else, remained mindful of people's needs and met those needs...all to provide opportunities for people to believe He truly was (and is) the Son of God.

For all these reasons, VBS is worth it! Fellow VBS servants, "stand strong!" That was our theme this year: God helps us stand strong. He does. Each year will be unique from all the others -- new kids, new volunteers, new curriculum, new snacks, new stories and new crafts. But, one consistent thread, year after year, remains: God knows every single person involved in VBS and He wants everyone to know Him personally.

Stay the course, VBS workers! Stand strong! Invite others to join in on the fun. Include coffee and chocolate in the kitchen for boosts of energy. Whatever you do, always know that it's worth it...so very, very worth it! You just never know who will be impacted...