Celebrating children

If you’ve checked in and found me absent, I apologize. My energy has been drawn elsewhere.

Yes, the kids got out of school.

It is one thing to write and speak of what we should do for children and quite another to be called to do it all day long! I find myself short on patience and energy. And then, of course, I get down on myself.

A little guilt can inflame my pen; too much tends to put out the fire.

I’ve been in a valley with my faith and church work, too. But, this week, I’m part of a team scaling the mountain called Vacation Bible School. We’re hiking downhill now, so I can truly rejoice.

Watching children fill several rows of pews down front feeds my soul. I love the laughter, friendship, fun, and sharing. VBS is what children’s church should be-- fully embracing of our youngest friends.

Although I wish we could sustain this level of involvement, perhaps I need to simply enjoy this week when the scales are tipped in our favor-- or maybe just more balanced. For a moment, all is as it should be.

It’s truly righteous.

And, it’s an apt culmination of the year I’ve spent exploring the possibilities of children and family ministries.

I hope you find similar joys with the children in your life this summer.