We just finished up a week of Vacation Bible School 2012. Our church does an amazing job in transforming the campus into an atmosphere that draws the children into the Bible theme. This year it was Daniel in Babylon. My husband and I, even though we are empty nesters and he still works, have volunteered for the past two years. I was really blessed this year to see at least 8-10 volunteers who have to be over 5o and some nearing 70 years old. Lots of young people and teenagers too, working to get the job done and done well. So many people say “It’s not my thing” or “I did that when my children were young and I’m not doing it again.” But I really wish they would reconsider. I have a friend who reconsidered after years of saying, “No.” She really enjoyed it, and her grandson, who is not currently attending church, was with her and having a good time as well.
I saw a quote today that I loved,
“Faith is a journey and not a guilt trip.”
I believe that with all my heart. I am not trying to lay a guilt trip on anyone. I just wonder how many blessings we forfeit because we go with preferences and don’t really seek God’s desire and heart.
I am sure Mary would have preferred not to give birth in a stable, but from God’s higher viewpoint it was the perfect place for the Lamb of God to be born. Peter didn’t want to go to a Gentile’s house, but aren’t we glad he yielded his preference in obedience so that the Gentiles could be granted the “repentance that leads to life” (Acts 11:18)?
This week several children gave their hearts to the One true God that Daniel worship in the midst of Babylon. It was so worth all the effort. I know that my friend was glad she opened her heart back up in an area she had closed. The Holy Spirit wooed her and won her. She started the week with a little bit of, “Why did I agree to this?” She ended the week with joy.
This is really not about VBS. It’s about doing a heart search to discover who is really in control of our lives. I have seen an acrostic that describes guidance like this:
God
U and
I
D
A
N
C
E
He really insists on leading. Let’s ask Him to point out places where we’ve taken a stand on preferences that have left us sitting on the sidelines. In my mind’s eye I can see wallflowers wishing to be part of the dance, but really not willing to let Him lead. Let’s be willing to learn a new dance or brush up on an old one.
