This year we decided to volunteer for our church's VBS program. The theme was God's Big Backyard--serving family, friends, neighbors, the community and God. So, Kevin and I chose to be in charge of the clothesline creations (AKA: crafts), as well as serve on the "decorating committee."
It was a whole lot of fun! We really enjoyed getting to know the kids, especially since we no longer teach Sunday School (let's just say...we were over committed). But, I have to tell you, by the second night of VBS, I thought I was absolutely, positively going to pull my hair out. It is not that the kids were "bad" or "disruptive" or "poorly behaved," it is just that there was a select group of children who enjoyed making things as complicated as they possibly could. Nothing new.....you have kids like that anywhere you go!
Well, the third night roles around and we were going to complete a service project instead of making a craft. The objective was for the kids to make and stuff "Build A Bear" ducks, dress them and made cards to send to sick children at Chesapeake Regional Hospital. I honestly expected the VBS children to rush through this project and not put a whole lot of care or concern into it. However, I was quite surprised by the outcome! The kids really took their time and did such a nice job making the ducks. But what really impressed me, is the fact that they did an even better job creating the cards. The words that some of the children wrote inside of the cards literally brought me to tears. For example, one of the little boys wrote: Dear friend, I have been were you are, and I have felt your pain. And I just really hope that you feel better soon. God loves you so much and so do I! Love, M???. Another little boy wrote: Hello! I just wanted to write you to let you know that because of all of this, you will be a better person (meaning...tough times will make you a stronger individual). I know that you are going to grow up to be an awesome man or woman and will be able to help and encourage others who are sick or not feeling good just like you. You rock and I hope you feel better soon! -J????
What I forgot to mention in the above paragraph is that the children who wrote these heart felt, tear jerking cards were the children who made things as complicated and difficult as they possibly could the first two nights of VBS. Praise the Lord---they were learning something during Vacation Bible School! It really made me realize though that no matter how rough around the edges a child may seem (or even adult for that matter), there is always a soft spot deep down inside of them. Unfortunately, many of us never get to see that side of them because oftnetimes we give up on them or choose to simply ignore their behavior. It also made me realize that I should never, ever give up on these children. While some children might need a wheelbarrow full of love, these other kids need truckloads of love and compassion.
I cannot even begin to express how blessed I was by these children. God used Kevin and myself to be a blessing to them, but He also used the kids to be blessing to us (more than words can say)! So it just goes to show you that when we are frustrated and at our wits end, God will pour out His unexpected blessings even if they come through little packages! =)
