What VBS Taught Me

The passage of time is such a curious thing to me. Some days it feels like the seconds take their time ticking by, while at other times, whole weeks or months fly by leaving me winded in their wake. 

This year marks a 20 year anniversary for me - 20 years of leading Vacation Bible School! I distinctly remember that first year in 2006, some of the mistakes I made, and some of the challenging kiddos we had. But I also remember the joy, the fun, the laughter, and even some of the songs! (Those songs are deceptively easy and exceedingly catchy!)

We just wrapped up this year's VBS today with about 80 children and volunteers on the church campus every day. The week went quickly, but not so fast that I forgot to savor a few sweet moments. Everyone singing in the sanctuary at the beginning or end of the morning together is always a highlight for me. But equally lovely were the moments we got to witness where our younger youth leaders understood about helping the kids or the "wow" moments when we dropped an egg in the sanctuary or extracted chlorophyll from spinach.

Best of all, all of these seemingly disparate moments and experiences point back to God and the great love God has for each of us. There will undoubtedly be a moment in the future for each of the participants at VBS (leaders and kids alike) where the world will tell them in no uncertain terms that they need to change, to be different, to alter themselves in some way to fit in or stand out more.

But with VBS comes the message that God loves you no matter what and that great gift of love is unshakable. You need not change in any substantial way for God to love you more - you are already deeply loved by the Creator. 

I hope the kids at VBS hold on to that message. And I hope all the leaders at VBS do, too. And you - I hope that no matter where you are on this day, you can hold on to that love. God will love you no matter what. It's a simple gift, one fit for VBS and for every day. 

Blessings,
Emily