VBS Lessons, Part 2

Tomorrow is our last day…Saturday is already pegged as a sleep-in day.  It’s only 3 hours a day – although for SuperWoman Terry – I’m pretty sure it’s been a 24/7 thing for probably months.  This woman could run circles around the Energizer Bunny.  Watching her helps me realize how much I miss children’s ministry activities – and at the same time – what an incredible time commitment it is.

Three hours a day – with young energy and enthusiasm, and the kids are huge eyeball sponges.  They see more than you realize, and soak it all in.  You realize this almost immediately, and sometimes what you see or hear makes you realize that perhaps you should be more careful.  My daughter shared a quote on Facebook – “Be the kind of leader you want to follow”.  So very appropriate…  At some point, each of us are going to be in a position of leadership – intentionally, paid, volunteer, or totally unaware.  When you accept a leadership position, it comes with responsibility.  When those you are leading talk, listen (not just hear them).  When you make promises, honor them (or explain that you are not able to).  And if, or when you need respite, admit that also (this sends a huge message about recognizing limitations, and honoring your own needs).

My group, as I mentioned before, are the Starfish – the Green Team.  We have nametags, and green belts (or headbands, depending on your style sense) to wear.  I was having a hard time getting the group to wear them, and realized I wasn’t wearing one.  It was amazing to see that simply tying a green belt around my waist and putting on my lanyard was enough to get the Green Team compliant with our fashion requirements.  Just one tiny example from this week.

Sharing your gifts – it has been so encouraging watching the kids share something they are good at with others.  Crafts are a good example – the kids just jump right in and help each other.  There is no judgment, no berating – just the willingness to help.

Caring for others – I love asking kids to pray for someone (for whatever reason – illness, need, joy) – because they take it seriously.  They throw themselves in to the act heart and soul (and it’s important to note that the physical size of the heart and soul are not proportional to the depth and intent of the prayer) and have complete faith that their prayers are heard and will be answered.  And they will check up on the progress of their efforts!  How often can that be said of us adults?

Speaking their truth – most of the time, kids tell you what they are thinking.  And they listen to what you say.  They don’t psychoanalyze you, or look for hidden agendas.  This is not to say that they don’t know how to manipulate the situation, though.  They also ask for clarification.

Last, but not least – a little bit of humor….the snack of the day, keeping with our beach/ocean theme – was an octopus made out of crackers, pretzels, and fruit.  Overheard during snack time….”it’s an octopus – because see, right here – (pointing to the 8 pretzels arranged around the bottom of the cracker) it has 8 testicles…”  Fortunately, I had already swallowed the last of my grape juice just seconds before.

Note to self, ask Miss Terry for a copy of the music from this week to add to my running playlist….I can joyfully remember this special week every time I run!