"I've Got the joy, joy, joy, joy...."

"Let the children come to Me" -Mark 10:14a


What better place to find joy - an endless stream of joy - than at vacation bible school. This week I have had the privilege of shepherding a group of 16 4 and 5 year-olds through their Summer VBS experience. They're at that really amazing age where they can form those first concepts about God and religion. It's a delicate time for little people and I want to share some special moments as well as some funny ones.




Monday brought me joy during storytime. I love the answers the kids give to the storyteller's questions.

"What do you do when you're scared and you need help to know what to do?"


#1: "Run!" (very logical)

#2: "Call the cops!" (he obviously watches a lot of TV)


#3: "Pray" (my little Abby - I'm so proud!)

Tuesday brought me joy during arts and crafts. We made "Prayer Pails" containing things they are thankful for or like to pray for. Here are a few choice examples:

-mommy & daddy (of course)

-my doggie that died (what can I say?)


-the new baby (from the beaming big sister)

-cars (you never know what you're gonna get from a 5 year old)

Wednesday was hard. The kids were so tired and cranky. Ford didn't want to go at all and I think a lot of others were dragging this morning. Shepherding was nerve racking because they kept wandering off every time we turned around. Still, there was plenty of joy all around us.

Abby and her friend Max volunteered to lead the prayer this morning and for a 5 year old to volunteer to pray in front of 400 children and adult volunteers is quite impressive in my opinion. One of our girls, Emma, danced with such enthusiasm during music time that I well imagine we will see her on Dancing With the Stars before too long!

Thursday - everyone was tired. 1/4 of the children did not brush their hair today (which is fine, of course, but a strong indicator that they were dragged from their beds and shipped directly to me.) Following VBS and back-to-back playdates (why do I do this to myself?) I managed to find joy lurking in, of all places, my big jacuzzi bathtub. Yes, it was late in the day, but I think it still counts. I relaxed to Diana Krall and loofahed my rough spots on the outside, which seemed to buff away the rough spots I experienced during the day. Calgon - take me away!

Friday was amazing. The kids were tired but they poured their little hearts into everything we did. As always, I found myself choking back the tears as I sat on the floor of our fellowship hall while they performed several little songs they learned this week. To watch Christ pouring out of their little faces brought me an overwhelming sense of the closeness of God. I felt blessed for having been a part of this whole experience. I actually can't wait for next year!