Heart Full--VBS Style

“I’m ready to sign up to be a crew leader” 

“Are you sure you are able to do this?”

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Posters were up probably by May. Recruiting started shortly after.   Was it already that time?   I’ve done VBS for quite some time. It was something I loved doing.  Working and helping shepherd kids is something I’ve enjoyed doing and continue to do.  It’s where my heart lies. It’s where I find joy. And for me to double question myself about serving never came about.

I knew exactly what my friend’s point was when she asked me if I were really up to the task of being a crew leader or not.  Crew leaders really needed the energy, strength, and endurance throughout the week to help lead and guide the kids.  She knew my physical self hasn’t been all that great lately; and they do need a strong leader.   I knew my physical state hasn’t been all that well.  My chronic pain has been on the flare and other physical stuff has been developing; but somehow I “ignored” it.  I also live a good 45+ minutes away from the church and traveling back and forth twice a day for 5 days a week could get tiring but I never considered that as a hurdle.

“Ya know, maybe you’re right. Sign up for a sub maybe? ”

“We can always use subs!”

After signing up as a sub, I felt fine. I continued to look forward for VBS and such.  Eventually, I felt more tugging of my heart.  I felt that I could do more.  Sure I don’t feel all that well every day, but whether or not I feel well, I still can be doing something.   I figured dealing with pre-k kids as well as staying indoors most of the day won’t be as tiring or as hard.   I prayed. And prayed.  I prayed that God would make it clear to me to me whether or not to stay a sub or an everyday crew leader. Soon after, I talked to this friend (the head of the children’s ministry) and told her about my true desires.  We worked it out in such a way that I had a smaller group of kids a long with another crew leader (who had a special needs buddy.  

VBS is such an amazing time of ministering, shepherding, and loving kids.  Many of those kids never heard of Jesus. Many kids have really good questions. Many kids are shy the first day and by the second or third day, they are coming out of their cocoon and flying around like butterflies.  Yet some kids are still in their shell. They don’t want to come out or they refuse to listen to instructions.  

 Discipling and shepherding these kids were a blessing, albeit there were tough days. But God helped all of us crew leaders, as well as the coordinators, station leaders, and EVERYONE else involved, through it all.  He provided us the strength, the stamina, the patience, and whatever else that were needed to get us through the busy week.

Watching the joy in the children’s face as the sang from the top of their lungs, and watching their little legs move around as they danced to the beat of the music was a joy to see.  I loved seeing some of the children earnestly pray, every time they were told to fold their hands and bow their heads (yes, I was peeking during prayer: I admit it, but it was so worth it!) It was a joy to hear questions from children; some of them didn’t pertain to the lesson that day, but it did pertain to God and that was FINE by me! At the end of the day, the children got picked up by their parents.  They were eager to show off what they got that day and parents were eager to hear how their child did for the day.  As for the workers, I think we were ready for a snack and a good rest.

Despite my long 45+ min drive every day back and forth, I am so thankful I was able to do this and felt well enough to continue throughout the week.  There were days I was tired or had pain, but I didn’t let that stop me.  I prayed for a restful night so that I could be prepared for a good morning with my crew. I wanted to be there not just for my crew, but for the team of VBS volunteers. 

VBS teaches Biblical points to children.  These Biblical points are presented in simple ways using simple methods, but it holds an abundance of truth to it. And sometimes, these simple methods are a great reminder for us adults.  I can’t tell you how many times, these simple truths and reminders has been a great blessing to me at just the right time in my life.  It’s also amazing how just a simple snuggle with a 3, 4, or 5 year old can brighten your day almost instantaneously. God’s love is shown in so many ways.