Vacataion Bible School
I grew up in the church. So for me, every summer consisted of attending one or more vacation Bible schools. It was in vacation Bible school that I learned songs like, “This Little Light of Mine.” We learned the words to these songs and many more. From time to time, we might even learn hand and body motions to go along with these songs.
I remember every Bible school included an assembly at the beginning or the end, or perhaps at both. Here announcements were made, songs were sung, and directives were given to us little ones for the morning or evening ahead.
In Bible school we also participated in arts and crafts. Many parents have placed invaluable works of art on their refrigerators throughout the years that were created during VBS.
In Bible school we learned about the people and places of the Bible. Sometimes men and women of days gone by, i.e. from the Bible, would come alive and tell us about their lives and experiences in times foreign to us.
In Bible school we had opportunities to recreate with others our age and simply have fun. Somewhere in between all the fun and learning, we would have some wonderful refreshments. (Punch and cookie companies have to love VBS, too.) We’ve all heard the saying— a good time was had by all. A lot of children could say this year after year about their vacation Bible school.
What does this say to us? It tells me that in our world there are still adults who love for their children and their neighbor’s children to learn about the Bible and Jesus. It tells me that there are people in the world who still believe that it is important, early on, to teach a child right from wrong. It tells me that there are people who still believe that the only way to make this world a better place is to teach our children to be mini-disciples and in turn give them a chance to become great adult disciples one day.
Finally, who hasn’t forgotten, as a child, saluting and pledging to the Bible, the Christian flag, and the American flag? I personally enjoyed this part of VBS.
As we approach July 4th, let us be thankful for the freedom we have in our country to conduct vacation Bible schools through the summer months, year after year. Let us be thankful for the freedom we have to worship when and wherever we please. Let us be thankful for the schools we have the freedom to attend. Let us be thankful for the shelters we have over our heads to protect us from the sun, rain, heat, and cold. Let us be thankful for these and so many other wonderful blessings God has bestowed upon each and every one of us.
As we look at the American flag this July 4th, let us be thankful for God, for our nation, and for the extremely brave men and women, who have fought and died, so that we may live a quality of life that so many others in other places around the globe do not.