I Needed VBS

Tonight is the last night of VBS at Amana, my home church. I really needed it, for lots of reasons. Some I anticipated. Some came as a surprise.

I needed to serve. We talk a lot about service. Most of us don’t get the chance to spent every night for a week actually serving. There is no experience like it.

I needed to bond. It has been great being with other Christians. I learned a bit more about a lot of people. almost all really good.

I needed to be silly.  Wearing a hat that makes you look funny. Doing a little dance, only if it’s just a couple of steps. Cutting up with kids. These are all activities that none of us get enough of.

I expected much of the above. The rest I got I didn’t expect.

I needed to get away. As soon as the week started my calendar filled up with stuff. I have deadlines staring me in the face from many different directions. The stress started to mount. I considered dropping out. God said, “don’t.” I got more done this week than in weeks in which I don’t do any service at all. Getting away doesn’t necessarily mean what needs to be done doesn’t get done. Sometimes it means you get help and what needs to get done, gets done better.

I needed the lessons.  VBS doesn’t involve complicated theology. It’s kid stuff like:

God has the power to provide.

God has the power to comfort.

God has the power to heal.

God has the power to forgive.

What I probably need more than anything else this week was a simple reminder that God is provider, comforter, healer and forgiver. I really need all that now.

Thanks VBS to all who make it happen and to the one who is the reason for it all.