my vbs kids...i'm the mummy on the left!
although, these students are not that much younger than the students i've worked with in the past, i still noticed some pretty significant differences. first, i gotta say the obvious, it sure is nice to be the tallest one in the group for a change! haha
but in addition to that, i've also noticed and been amazed at how the "younger" students are so easily AND happily "conditioned" by the structure and order they are surrounded with every day. having the slightest change or delay in the schedule at vbs caused students to start asking questions about being on schedule or falling behind. they really seem to like all of the structure and predictability...i wonder if i too was like them as a child...i'm not a huge fan of that stuff now.
another difference is that they still have that "sweet & innocent" aura about them. even though my "4th going on 5th" grade group were old enough to know and point out that each vbs site they visited was just "pretend", they would still play along in the make-believe world created for them AND even appreciate all of the props brought in to transform the room. with jr highers...yeah, i just don't see it working out that way.
it's also been interesting to see even the difference between the "5th going on 6th" and the "4th going on 5th". it's at this point where the "older" kids start wanting more...they want more say, more options, more distinction, more independence. they realize that they are at the verge of being part of the "older" group (jr high), and want to get there "now"! they act like your typical "upper classmen", not realizing that they will be the "low man on the totem pole" or the "young'uns" the next year...why do they insist on trying to rush into it?
anyways, it's been fun taking a glimpse into these younger classes, and though i'm a bit "shocked" by how God's word can be broken down into such simple messages that miss some bigger points, it's also been a nice reminder to know that our faith IS as simple as hearing, believing and following.
now, will i change my ministry focus and start working with younger children? i think NOT. i love serving the "older" kids in jr high and high school b/c it's at these stages that students start to question, to explore and to learn what it means to make their faith their own and not just something they were taught.
which brings me, finally (yes, i know this is a really long entry), to the song and title for this entry...
i love these lyrics from the jars of clay song b/c it reminds me of how i became a christian. "like a child" i became a Christian b/c i knew God's love for me was pure and unconditional, and knew i could believe and follow Him b/c of that love. but that was just the beginning. the AMAZING thing about being a christian is that it doesn't stop there. God does not want us to remain as "spiritual" children. He wants us AND helps us to grow in our faith and we continue to learn more and more about God thru our questions, trials and blessings. i'm blown away at how God has helped me to grow in my faith and has changed my life since trusting in Him, but i'm also glad to know that this isn't the end yet...He still has much more planned for me!
They say that love can heal the broken
They say that hope can make you see
They say that faith can find a Savior
If you would follow and believe
with faith like a child
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