I taught the smallest class for VBS 2024. I couldn’t handle the extra calories if caregiving were my cake and teaching littles were the icing. A month of lesson prep, making visual aids, and keeping up with three and four-year-olds nightly for a week, all while caregiving, caused a crash-not of sugar.
This task, added to months of sleep-deprived caregiving, was more than I could handle. Lack of mental, spiritual, and physical well-being rendered me exhausted beyond function. Sleep meds for Mom were a must, while I needed temporary mood meds.
I reevaluated my dedication to church work, Mom, writing, and family. I couldn’t do everything, so I’m not working VBS this year. Many other hands and hearts will work to reach our children for Christ VBS 2025.
Teaching small children is a tremendous blessing we often overlook. When assigned to the younger classes, we assume we’re babysitting rather than ministering. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Visuals, songs, and sounds stimulate smaller children, and they can learn basic theology, such as God made all things and Jesus died on the cross because He loves them. Don’t overlook the littles.
Last year, I stressed as we moved the little ones from class to snacks, to the playground, and to crafts. I kept counting and observing for fear of losing the three-and four-year-olds. Perhaps my focus on prayer and teaching in a concrete way would have been a better use of my energy.
Parents, Grandparents, and church family, it’s never too early to pray for and teach our little ones. Our goal is to see our children become born-again believers. Let’s not lose our little ones, but imbed spiritual truth at an early age and believe they will be saved. Jesus sees them as important, and so should we.
Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
But Jesus said, suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
And he laid hands on them, and departed thence.
Matthew 19:13-15
Great reminder to pray for the little ones. I’m glad you took a break from serving in VBS this summer.
It was a different year for me too as my 7th grandchild came the same week as VBS and when I was packed and ready to teach at a camp for underserved kids in TN. I unpacked and stayed home to support my family…..watching the 3 siblings Tuesday thru Friday while their baby sister was brought into this world. Family: I high calling and priviledge!!