Through Stained Glass: A Mid-Week Reflection-Sometimes

It is that time of the year again, when churches come alive with exotic jungle scenes and other far out places. Those spaces where adults meet to discuss the church’s “important items” are now occupied by the youngest among us. Their wide eyes and unbridled spirits fill the steeples with vibrant laughter and hopeful imagination.

I have fond memories of attending Vacation Bible School myself. It was the time of the summer where I got to go to church at night and sing songs at my own pace. More importantly, it was at Vacation Bible School where the foundation of my faith was laid, as I sung songs about God’s love for me.

Though technology has changed since my time in VBS, the message is the same:

Jesus loves you.

This is a scene from Weird Animals - brought to you and 

your children by the Lincoln Neighborhood 

VBS churches July 7-11, 2014. 

Come learn about weird creatures and God's Love!

All week, we’ve led the children in an adventure through the realities of life. Our time together has been spent exploring how sometimes we don’t fit in; how sometimes we are noticeably different; and how sometimes, we just don’t know why things happen. But what we do know is this: that we are all created exactly as God wanted us to be; that God sees us as beautiful, especially because of our differences; and that though we may not understand why things happen, God’s love remains constant.

It is easy to write our children off as the ‘future of the church.’ After all, they aren’t writing checks or contributing financially to the latest church campaign. After spending a week at VBS, I’m reminded again that our children are as much of the movers and shakers of the church as we adults are.

We have much to learn from our children.

I learn from their enthusiastic proclamation of the gospel: that even when we feel left out, Jesus loves you.

I learn from children who, though formerly strangers, lock hands and sing that age old song we all sang when we were little:  Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.

I learn from their gallant statements, as they boldly tell me that though they feel weird and strange at times, they know in their hearts that God is with them.

I learn from their focus, not on politics or hot button issues, but on learning each others names and favorite animals.

Above all, the greatest lesson I’ve learned from the children at Vacation Bible School this week is accepting one simple truth: that God loves me just as I am.

Nothing else.

Nothing more.

This makes me think of my favorite quote from Trappist monk Thomas Merton who once said, “To say that I am made in the image of God is to say that love is the reason for my existence, for God is love. Love is my true identity. Selflessness is my true self. Love is my true character. Love is my name.” 

Indeed, Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.

But, Jesus too, loves 50+ children who wiggle and squirm, giggle and worship, sing and dance, all because they know that God loves them.