I always seek to give myself some time for reflection and evaluation on Sunday afternoons. Today, it seemed especially important after one of the most joyful worship services I have ever been a part of.
The children led in worship. Forty-four children had worked hard all week at Vacation Bible School learning more deeply the story of the Incarnation, discovering the intricacies of malaria, its causes, symptoms and means of transmission, memorizing and learning the tunes to five songs they had never heard before with only the sixth song being familiar, AND doing fabulous crafts, playing together and eating a meal together, practicing their table manners.
Most of those children were in worship this morning. They presented to the congregation what they had learned in a simple but perfectly performed musical. They answered questions about malaria, many of them probably knowing more now than their parents about that disease. They also know the story of Jesus entrance into the world in new and deepening ways.
We had set a challenge before them: raise $260, and my hair will go blue for one day. They took that challenge seriously–and raised not just $260 but $300! Quite a bit more has been contributed by the adults–I have not heard the final figure yet, but if adults contributed $2600 or more, then I go blue for a full week–and will do so joyfully.
VBS is a lot of work. I know I was wondering before we started this year, “Why do we do this?”
Today I know for sure: that time of concentrated learning, work, worship, music, crafts, games and food was simply transformational. And a ton of fun.
Everyone knows I’m not particularly gifted in working with children. But this week, I was their teacher, and their response to my lessons filled me with joy. We do this because those tender, young minds are eager to hear the words of God’s love, receptive to learning about God’s world, and passionate about doing something to help others. “Imagine no malaria!” They know those words. They want to help. And they did.
So, on this thoughtful afternoon, I pray, “Thank You God for the privilege of being an agent of Your grace. I’m tired, and You know it. And I’m overflowing with happiness.”
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