It's been a while since I last blogged. This summer I served as the children's ministry intern at my church. For most people that would have been a daunting task. For me it was so exciting. Yes it was tons of work, but it's fun work. Different work. Every summer since I was old enough to hold down a part time job, it has involved hard, physical work. I have mowed lawns, cleaned houses, babysat, painted houses, and oh so much more. This summer I still painted houses, but I also got to spend the summer planning events and teaching the wonderful children of my home church.
So did I spend my summer playing with kids? No. I spent my summer ministering to children. There is a huge difference. Most people don't even realize how much work goes into different events. I did three main things this summer: Children's Church, Mondays with Miss Mysti, and Vacation Bible School. Children's Church didn't happen every week but it happened a lot. I couldn't afford spiritually to be with the children every week. I had to be fed myself. This is an issue that a lot of people in ministry positions forget. We cannot be in continual ministry. We have to allow God to speak to us and not just through our daily devotions, but through the fellowship with other Christians and the wisdom that comes from more mature Christians. So, I make this point not because I want to preach at you but because it explains why, even though I really wanted to, I knew I could not minister to these children every Sunday. However those Sundays that I did work with them, we were emphasizing witnessing. Have you ever tried to teach a kid how to share the love of Jesus with their friends? It's a lot more difficult than I thought it would be, and for awhile I wasn't sure that I was even getting through to them. Then one Sunday close to the end of the summer, one of the girls came up to me to tell me all about her friend--a friend that she had been sharing Jesus with over the past few days. I was excited, but at the same time I knew it had nothing to do with me and everything to do with God. He did some awesome things this summer.
Remember that thing I called "Mondays with Miss Mysti" just a little bit ago? Yeah, big name for saying I spent my Mondays playing in my backyard with groups of children. Okay so maybe I did just spend some of my summer playing with children, but every child needs some time away from home with other kids during the summer. In fact for a certain age group, I even let them spend the night "camping" in my backyard. I still can't decide if I went crazy or if I just underestimated what that night would be like. Don't get me wrong. I had bucket loads of fun with those kids, but trying to get ten children in the same age bracket to sleep at a decent time is nearly impossible.
The piece de resistance of the summer came in mid-July with Vacation Bible School--an extremely tasking week. Yet the results--the results--were worth every minute of work I put into the five short days. That week the kids of our church managed to raise over $350 to send 10,000 vaccinations to the children of Africa through MAF. It was awesome to see the way God was working through those kids and that week was just the culmination of all the things He did this summer.
I was extremely blessed this summer. I also did many things like attending kids camp, youth camp, and district conference. Yet working with those kids and seeing God do amazing things through them, that made my year. The one thing I regret from this summer? I spent too much time working and not enough time enjoying. Being home with my parents is become a rare and wonderful opportunity--one that I need to take advantage of as much as I can. The lesson to be learned? Work your heart out for the Lord, but never forget to stop and enjoy the blessings He has provided for you.
Well, be watching for an update on the start of the school year soon. Oh and pay close attention because I shall shortly introduce you to Lieutenant James T. Duck and Colonel C.S. Quackerton, the newest citizens of Big Blue Tubs.
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