A few weeks ago I served as the music leader at Vacation Bible School at my church. It was my third year to take on this role, and as we neared the beginning of the week-long event, I found myself wondering why I ever said “yes.” What was I thinking? Had I forgotten how exhausted I was last year by the end of the week? Now, approaching 65 and feeling more often the aches and pains of arthritis, I had increasing reservations about my ability to do this job well.

BY NANCY KIDD

I knew I shouldn’t be walking in the very first night with such strong feelings of doubt and dread, but I couldn’t help myself. At any rate, it was too late to back out, so I pulled myself together, and I went.

As the group gathered in the sanctuary after dinner, I took in the sea of matching green t-shirts. The teen and adult volunteers, donning similarly matching gray shirts, managed to corral their groups to the appropriate pews near the front. The noise level built steadily, creating a palpable energy in this room full of happy, excited kids.

This year’s VBS theme was Rolling River Rampage, so the sanctuary decorations featured rafting/camping items — inflatable rafts, oars, a wooden bridge, Mylar streamers (water). Each evening a puppet — a purple spotted otter named Romper — appeared at the window of a “cabin” for a skit.

Thankfully, I didn’t have to do anything until they split into the smaller groups. From then on, however, I would face one group after another, back-to-back — five groups in all. The routine was the same each time. The youngsters came in with their group leaders and waited curiously to see what the music was all about.

The program curriculum came with a DVD to help the kids learn the songs. It included dance moves and some hand motions, as well as a little signing (ASL). The DVD characters were all high-energy young people with incredible coordination and dance moves — something greatly lacking in this music leader! (I’m sure my attempts to emulate the actors would be hilarious to many, but these kids were so focused on learning that I felt OK!)

After the first session, I enlisted help from Jennifer, a church member/friend who, in real life is a ballerina of sign language— so graceful with her skill.

She willingly jumped in, and her help took our game to a higher level.

I would like to say I felt revived and full of stamina after things got under way, but that was not the case. I was worn out from the beginning. Every night I went home to collapse in my chair, content to sip the cup of tea my husband so kindly served.

But something else happened. Despite my weariness, a shift was under way moving joy to the forefront of my soul.

Somewhere along this journey, I realized how much I adored those little munchkins! As I stood before them each evening and joined them in singing with the DVD , I tried to make eye contact with each of them. I tried to connect, to elicit a smile, and sometimes I succeeded.

More than anything, I wanted them to have fun in the time we shared. We cranked up the sound system. Sometimes they ran around, doing their own thing — breakdancing, cartwheeling, playing with the decorations. I tried not to stifle them but instead embrace who they were in those moments.

They were spontaneous and authentic. And, in the end, their presence rewarded us all with many magically wonderful moments.

For starters, I’m pretty sure the kids knew the puppet wasn’t real. Nonetheless, they were totally captivated by Romper. They would squeal with delight when he appeared, and they would call out to him and wave goodbye as they left each evening.

Our pastor was the “Paddle Captain” for the week. He kicked things off each night and interacted with Romper during the skits. One night he appeared during one of our music sessions. A little boy noticed him and was awestruck. He came to me and exclaimed, “Look! It’s the PADDLE CAPTAIN!!!” I encouraged him to go up to the Paddle Captain and see if he would “give him five.” Timidly, he made his request, and the Captain happily obliged.

Interestingly, as I became more immersed in VBS, my thoughts flitted to my former students at detention. I was struck by the similarities I noticed. In this group of young children, I saw some who were eager to do whatever I asked. Others were quiet and too timid to open up. A few appeared concerned about their image and too uncomfortable to risk getting out of their comfort zone. In their eyes I thought I could detect them sizing up how much they could trust me.

Exactly as it was with the kids in detention!

Innocent little children at church compared to alleged lawbreaking juvenile delinquents — seriously?

During that week I unwittingly began to seek out their unique qualities — their tenderness and their vulnerabilities. I wanted to know them and to connect with them just as I had hoped to do with the students at detention.

Once again I was surprised to realize how very much alike we all are. Despite the unique differences, we share an undeniable oneness. I was reminded once more that we are all on the same level, no one better than the other, yet — I believe, in the eyes God — each soul equally worthy and very much beloved.

After VBS I found myself just a little closer to understanding the unifying power created when we embrace our kinship with one another. And I have to say, the tiny step I took in that direction left me euphoric.

When it all ended, I realized I’d received additional gifts from this experience. From now on, when I see these kids at church or in our small community — even if they’re not wearing green — I will know their names and feel more closely connected to them. The same goes for the adult helpers — gray shirts or not. We shared this time together, and now we are bound more closely to one another.

I am grateful for this new depth of feeling. Joy overshadowed fatigue. Had I used the excuse of feeling old or tired, I would have totally missed out. Thankfully, because I said “yes” instead, my life has become a little bit richer.

Note to self: Vow to say “yes” more often, especially when it involves building relationships with others!