THE GRACE OF VBS

It was indeed, a full week of VBS - two evenings at L church, 2 mornings at M church, and Friday evening (my day off) at L church. I just couldn't abandon the kids!!!
   At L church the second night of VBS coincided with our monthly free community dinner which
serves not only the indigent in our community but has included, widows, widowers, one man with a wife in a nursing home, and a few senior couples who all like to eat together. So, although we may have begun this ministry and mission with one need in mind - it has flowered open to include those whose needs we didn't originally know to serve.
   Well, there was an older woman there that night and saw the kids eating dinner too, for VBS and
asked if her granddaughters could stay to attend to VBS. She was given a resounding YES! So, those girls were with us the rest of the week. They were visiting from out of state, had something fun and
interesting to do in the evening with other kids. Grandma got free entertainment in the evening for her granddaughters, and a bit of respite. The girls had such fun and enjoyed VBS so much, that grandma told me, they just jibber-jabbered away on the phone with their mom!!!
   Remember those twin boys that were a handful? Well, they have vision problems and also
most likely ADHD. On Wed. evening, the bible lesson person had set up 4 little orange cones and a small soccer  ball that they kids were to lightly tap around the cones. She chose one of the twins to
start - the boys aren't very athletic - probably due to their vision problem. He struggled some but
we encouraged him. His twin was next and had problems also, but encouraged him. When the next
child went up, those two twin boys - shouted his name, and go and yay! They cheered every single child in the group as they took their turns. They were the cheering section and got the others to cheer for each one. The very gift of encouragement displayed, given, lived and offered. They have that gift of encouragement a thousand-fold! I had tears in my eyes! What a gift they gave each child as they
cheered them on. They tried harder and did better because of all the encouragement they received.
I believe those twins taught us the lesson that evening! What if we encouraged others in that same way in our own lives? What if we encouraged our parishioners that way? Hmmmm….Who were the ones who encouraged us? How do we live the gift of encouragement given to us?
   What a grace unfolded in VBS! God is full of surprises even in the most unlikely persons!
   On a side note, I would encourage manufacturers of VBS materials - no matter which company -
that most kids, even in a week, cannot perform the songs and dances that are choregraphed mini
Disney numbers. Are you for real? Come on! Make the songs simpler with less wordy verses, a
catchy refrain and bit less choregraphy. Keep it simple so they can learn it and perform it. Even M church with 107 kids - didn't get the movements down and lyrics down in the week. (They used a different program than L church). The kids just ended up bopping to the music. In an effort to make the music jazzy and modern - you have left most kids behind - who aren't able to replicate the video.
Retool and rethink your music sections!
   I am ever amazed at the grace of VBS whether 20 kids or 100 kids - all the learnings, seeds of faith planted, fun, and the way God ever continues to be a part of it all and working ever in our midst.