BY K.P. SANDER
About a hundred years or so ago, back when I was in elementary school, I had what I now realize was the privilege of attending Vacation Bible School, or VBS as it were. In those days they used to pull a trailer up in the front of the school; almost a little chapel on wheels. For a couple of weeks each year I was excused from class by way of a permission slip from my mother, and I spent an hour or so each day learning about Jesus.
I used to love being dismissed from my studies (yeah, I didn’t fall in love with school until college). There was something very special about walking up the steps of that trailer and sitting in one of the little pews. I can tell you as a certainty that I don’t remember a single moment of the studies that I missed during class time, but I profoundly recall the stories and teachings that I learned at VBS. In fact, I would be so bold as to say that the learnings that happened so many years ago have had a direct correlation to the strong level of faith that I have today.
I still look forward to seeing what VBS has in store locally, and appreciate that Eastvale churches offer several programs each year. Some offer paid curriculums, and some are free (and even include a daily dinner – a true definition of a happy meal). I am grateful that my family is still involved in VBS and that two little boys in particular look forward to it, just as I did.
This summer, when you hear that charming phase that always seems to accompany children too long ‘round the house, “Mom, I’m bored!” remember that there might be a local VBS program just around the corner that could not only occupy their time, but perhaps teach some positive, life-long lessons.
Happy VBS-ing!
