This morning at SAFMC, we kicked off Vacation Bible School (or “GPS”, as our 4 year-old calls it). GPS (or “VBS” as some insist on calling it) is all about a Church reaching out to a community of families and creating a space for them to encounter Jesus. It is also a clearing house for pipe cleaners and Elmer’s product, be it glue or tasty paste.

I was thinking about how the VBS songs in this year’s curriculum (copyright, Group Publishing) seems to emphasize the Bible, with songs like “Ancient Words” and another one about how reading God’s Word will change you. “That’s interesting”, thought I, “that several of the songs of VBS are so bible-oriented”. Thankfully, I was saying this out loud and could hear my own ridiculous statement. Of course (italics mine) they’re about the bible. It’s Vacation Bible School.

What happens when God’s word gets hidden in the heart of a child? We hope and pray that a seed is planted, grows well, and becomes something living and active in the life of a little person who will someday run the world. According to the scripture, this will happen. Our job is to be faithful to the spreading of God’s word and praying that the Holy Spirit plants it deep in the heart of kids this week, starting tonight.

You pray, too. OK?