Long, long ago in a church far away, a teacher came up with the idea to create a week long Bible school in order to teach children about Jesus during the summer. Now, churches all over the world take part in the wacky world that is Vacation Bible School. Although the week is for children to learn about Jesus Christ, the back bone behind VBS is the volunteers. Without the youth and adults that guide, teach, laugh, and pray with the children, Vacation Bible School would not be able to happen. A volunteer's job is never done when it comes to this one week out of the summer. We kiss boo-boos, chase children, wear crazy outfits, and laugh a LOT! However, by far the most important thing that a VBS volunteer does is simply love on the children.
In order to truly understand what it is like to be a VBS volunteer, one must look into a week in the life of a Vacation Bible School volunteer.
Monday: Whoo-hoo! It's the first day of VBS! You have spent the last week decorating the entire church, listening to the VBS soundtracks and learning all of the super cool dance moves, and now you are ready to start a week of fun-filled memories. You praise the Lord that you pre-registered your kids because the line is out the door!
Tuesday: Last night was amazing! You had so much fun meeting all the kids (even though most of them you had in your class last year). You are still on your "first day of VBS high" and are wearing your twelve year-olds knee high, multi-colored socks and two different shoes, but it's all right because it's "for the children!"
Wednesday: Your "Bible school high" has come to an end and you have started your descent. You don't even question your outfit for "Wacky Tacky Night;" you simply walked into your closet, turned out the lights, and chose some clothes. You don't care that you didn't wash your hair last night because you didn't go to bed until midnight while the kids were still on a sugar rush. (Who thought it was a good idea to give the kids their candy at the end of the night? Oh, that's right, you did!)
Thursday: Tonights THE night! The night that God moves mountains! Children make life changing decisions tonight, and no matter how tired you really are, watching these children make the best decision of their lives beats anything!
Friday: It's the last night of VBS. You are so sad (even though you are really wanting Saturday to roll around so that you can get some sleep). This week has been so amazing! You have had children turn you into a human jungle gym, tissue, and storybook. You have been given new nicknames and have managed to have five kids in your lap at one time! You have been licked, been kissed, and you have LOVED every moment!
Vacation Bible School is something that is so magical as a child, and even more amazing as a volunteer. By being a volunteer, you get to see this week from a completely different viewpoint. God moves through His people, and during this week, He can move through the volunteers to teach the children, but the children also can teach the volunteers a few things!
