As a child, VeggieTales brought me so much joy. I could be having the worst day and the sky could be falling down around me, but the second the VeggieTales theme song played, all was well. Every time, when the white empty stage appeared, Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber argued, and Larry was shoved into view with his tuba (he doesn't have hands, it's still a mystery), an incurable grin spread across my face.
Now, call me a typical 21st century Christian kid, but 15 years later, that same joy hasn't left me. The simple show about talking vegetables carries so much more than a laugh or two--VeggieTales is chock-full of life lessons that we should apply daily.
The Bible is relatable.
Growing up, the stories of the Bible (particularly in the Old Testament) were entertaining to read, but difficult to relate to. How are we, growing and learning Christians, supposed to empathize with Joshua and his friends as they brought down the walls of Jericho?
Boom. VeggieTales. We were given a humorous example of an incredible Bible story that shows God's immense faithfulness. We were taught and entertained. VeggieTales supplies us with similar story versions of David and Bathsheba, Noah's ark, and Queen Esther's rise to royalty. With these examples in mind, we can continue to look at Scripture and understand it beyond the numbered verses.
It's okay to be silly.
VeggieTales provides us with comic relief (and a valid spirit animal) during the middle of every episode in the form of Larry the Cucumber. Larry reminds us that while our stories can get long and dreary, it is perfectly acceptable to stop where we are at and be silly. In fact, it is encouraged. A cleverly written parody song, extravagant costume, and a lot of laughs will bring anybody out of a slump. Sure, most of us don't have that creative ability, but Larry the Cucumber shows us that even a little spontaneity goes a long way.
God is greater than ________.
The very first VeggieTales episode that aired is called "Where's God When I'm S-Scared?" As children, we dealt with bullies, stage fright, the dark, and even the Boogieman, but this episode taught us that God is bigger than all of it. This message can be applied in our adult lives too, and to be honest, we need it now more than ever. God's power is sovereign over every single one of our fears and troubles.
God's love is for everyone.
Every VeggieTales episode ended with the same catchy song, and let's be real, you're probably singing it to yourself. "God's love is for everyone" was sang after Bob and Larry read over Scripture. Isn't it crazy how much love we are given? We aren't worthy of God's unchanging love, yet we are given it daily, no matter what. It doesn't matter what we did yesterday, or what we will continue to do in the future. God is there for each and every one of us, through thick and thin.
The next time you feel in need of a laugh or a stark reminder of grace, re-watch your favorite VeggieTales episode. You'll be surprised at how much truth you find.
God made you special, and He loves you very much.
