VBS

Our church is in the middle of Vacation Bible School this week.  We are meeting every morning at 9 a.m.  I am actually in charge of recreation this week, so I get to play games with the children.  We are prepared with some indoor games in case the weather is bad, but for the most part it is my job to run the boys and girls around enough to get rid of nervous energy.  We hope that they will return to the classroom ready to listen and to learn.

            Many years ago I was telling a group of pastors that we were having VBS the next week, and asking for them to pray for us.  One of the older pastors astounded me when he declared, “I always take vacation the week of Vacation Bible School. I leave that for the volunteers.”

            I was much younger than he was, and so I didn’t challenge him that day. But I still don’t get it.  VBS is one of the most important weeks of the year for any church and pastor.  I just remember that Jesus, when others were seeking to protect Him from the distraction and interruption, made it clear that He wanted the children brought to Him.  They were, in fact, not a distraction or interruption.  They were the very ones for whom He cared the most.

            I once had a church member who was frustrated about handprints on the wall. “How can we keep this from happening?” was his question to me. I told him we could put up signs that read, “No one under 18 allowed.”  Outside of that there were going to be handprints on the wall, Kool-Aid stains on the floor, and racket in the worship services. 

            I’m glad my friend laughed and said, “How about if I buy a can of paint and touch up that wall every month or so.”  And he did just that for many years, and may still be at it. 

            The bottom line is simple. Children matter to Jesus. They should matter to us.  Still, I do have a request for you. Pray for us this week.  Especially for me as I try to keep up with these little guys in the heat. I’m going to need it.