Vacation Bible School is such an important time in the life of a child. It’s a time where they are excited to come to church because they know there will be games, cookies, stories, and they are not ashamed to invite their friends. How many of you asked Jesus into your heart at VBS? I bet many. It’s so fun to watch them as they are captivated by God’s word. And for some of the children, it is for the first time. Can you imagine? For some children, for the FIRST time!

There is a catch to VBS because it is only through the 5th grade. In the 6th grade, at most churches, at least at Germantown Baptist, you begin serving. That’s one of the many times I remember Trey beginning to serve so young. It might have just been wheeling the juice cart from room to room, but it was giving back.

Many parents have worked in VBS for years with their children in their rooms as helpers. Since I work fulltime, I have not been able to work in VBS. That has never stopped me working alongside my sons. Because of the timing of Trey’s illness, I was never able to serve with both of them at the same time on mission trips, but we did a lot of scouts together, and the BBQ Grill Ministry at GBC. My heart dropped on this last trip to Nashville as I watched Collin pull up trees. I realized he had gone from the 5th grader in VBS to a strong young man. And we were serving together.

I don’t know if it is something that Jay and I instilled in our children or a gift that God gave them. Either way, they both have (had) a heart for service. I know Collin is upset that he is missing VBS this week, but mandatory football practice has to come first.

One thing about serving WITH your children, you get to see the blessings first hand. Some kids may think you are trying to be all up in their business. I remember one trip to Panama City where Jay went as the paramedic and I was the counselor. Collin got the luxury of tagging along. It was Trey’s first high school trip. He was so afraid we were going to get into his dance space. I tried to reassure him he would be so busy he would not even see me. I’ll never forget one morning Trey coming up to me at breakfast and giving me a hug and telling me “Good morning! Where have you been?” I thought to myself, told ya so.

So don’t let your children talk you out of serving with them, whether it’s VBS, mission trips, church camps, retreats, etc. You just might be blessed more than they will be. I have memories that can never be replaced or taken away. Pictures in my mind of worship that will forever fill my heart. Memories of Trey in a closet at GBC cleaning it out (I think in 6th grade), because Keith, Ron, or Steve told him to do it. But he did it with a smile on his face! (See pic).

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.” Romans 12:9-13