Summer, so many fun activities are available. I truly believe there is no real reason to ever be “bored”, especially during the summer. There is a myriad of activities/things to do when trying to keep one’s self (or one’s kiddos) entertained and/or busy during those long hot summer days.   

One of my favorite summer activities as a child was attending Vacation Bible School (VBS). In fact, it is where I first came to know Jesus. I knew who He was before, but during one long hot summer in south Texas while attending VBS at my cousin’s church, I made a decision to know Him and follow Him. 

Fast forward many years, and you arrive to the summer of 2015. 

This summer, I agreed to help my friend lead 1st grade at VBS. I am not going to lie, I was terrified. Although I taught 1st grade for 7 years, it has been a couple years since I have been in the classroom. I had butterflies in my stomach leading up to our first day. 

Then Monday came; the first day. 

It was a whirlwind of a day. We sang, we danced, we crafted (yes, I made that word up), we ate, we focused on missions and we played. It was a super fun day full of super fun activities. But, the best part of the day…was when I was able to share the message of hope that is found in our Rescuer, Jesus Christ. 

Whether it is a message the kids have heard for the first time or for the hundredth, it is a message that never gets old hearing. In fact, I find the more times I hear it, the more I am completely blown away by a love so deep and a grace so undeserving. I was so humbled and excited to be given the opportunity to share redemption’s story every day with all those sweet kids. It was my favorite part of all VBS.

My butterflies that I had felt in the days leading up to VBS had fluttered on away after that first day. Before, I was so worried about how well I was going to do helping lead a class of 1st graders. Walking out to my car on that Monday afternoon after our first day, I was very aware of the fact that it was not about me at all. It was about all those precious kiddos. It was about letting God do His work through me. It was about me letting go of me. It was about me clinging to Him and the work He wanted to do this week. 

Y’all the week was so fun! 

The VBS crew at my church really did an outstanding job. From the decorations, to every thought out activity, to every snack made – the love of Jesus was over all of it. I love how much the kids at church, the kids of my community, are loved by the people at my church. 

The energy was so contagious.

 Lil’ Man came home every day singing every song he had learned. He talked about every game he played (he especially enjoyed the water games). He loved to practice his little memory verse. He, excitedly, would share with me the story he heard that day. He was just so having so much fun this whole week. 

All fun must come to an end (but not really).

Our week is over. I am tired today, but it is definitely a good tired. I was sitting here thinking that I am kind of sad we don’t get to go back and do it again next week. But, I reminded myself that, really, it hasn’t come to an end. This week was just the beginning of a lifelong journey for many kids. For some, the decision to begin the journey still has yet to be made. For me, my mission is still the same as it was on Monday. A mission to shine the light of Jesus. A mission to share the Gospel message with others. A mission to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

And yes, I may or may not have all of the songs permanently stuck in my head for the rest of my life…well, at least for the next few weeks.