VBS (my perspective)

Vacation Bible School.

What can I say about it? I think I went with the intention of blessing others and ended up being blessed myself. The first day I was completely exhausted from packing Avril around and helping to manage 22 8&9 year olds. I whined, I complained, I even almost lost the battle to my flesh when one child told me that it was boring and that he wouldn't be back. My first reaction was to say, "Good! No skin off my nose." But at last the Holy Spirit prevailed and I sincerely told him that it would be a shame if he did not return. He didn't. And it was.
At our last stop of the day before closing I noticed that Stacy was helping with the craft with little E in tow. I instantly felt ashamed for my inward and outward griping. My baby is quite a lot smaller than E and I am quite a lot heftier than Stacy. Not to mention she dealt with ALL of the children at VBS while I only dealt with the same few. So, I felt really ashamed and had to ask forgiveness.
Apparantly God forgave me and took pity on me in the form of Shelby, Britani, Mom, and Tessa because the rest of the week my sweet Avril was with one of them. I cannot say what a huge blessing it is to have such capable and trustworthy souls to care for my children when I am not able. Thank you girls. You truly are a God-send.
Days 2-4 went a little smoother and I can honestly say that God did a work in my attitude. I was really enjoying those children, even when they tried my patience. I was also hit with the haunting reality that my own children will soon be that age. Yes, it sent chills down my spine but gave me a much deeper appreciation for the way they are now. (I kid, I kid. The children were wonderful. Just fast.)
I was nicknamed Lt. P. due to both the fact that it is my last initial and the fact that I must have made 100 bathroom runs with the children throughout the week. I was somewhat discouraged when I realized that I probably spent more time taking them to the bathroom than teaching them anything worthwhile. But then, on the last day, something beautiful happened. I took about 10 kids at once to the restroom and since there is only one toilet in each bathroom, most of them were waiting in the hall with me. They all had their verse sheets out and were working hard to memorize Scriptures. Then they would bombard me 5 at a time to recite these verses from memory. I realize that a lot of their motivation came from wanting the ever coveted stripes on their shirts but they were eager to memorize the Word of God, no matter what the reason. It would be in their heads. Hopefully for years to come. And with prayer, it would be in their hearts as well. They were so excited. About Bible verses!
I have always been told that a heart surrendered to God could be used anywhere. But I learned first-hand that even a seemingly meaningless task like escorting children to and from the latrine can be used of God. I learned that even though I had started with a bad attitude, like Jonah, God could use me. I learned that although I would have rather done something a little more glamorous or exciting, God was in even this small thing.

How miraculous.