My church is hosting Vacation Bible School this week for the first time in years. I volunteered to be a small group leader for kids in kindergarten through the fifth grade. This is my first VBS experience as an adult. I went to VBS at least once in grade school, but I remember very little about it.
The theme of our VBS is “Start the Party/ Celebrate the Good News.” The evening begins with dinner. Our pastor of family ministries asked that we sit with kids and break the ice by asking a party/celebration themed question.
The second day, I sat across the table from a girl named Paisley, who missed the first day. Paisley doesn’t go to our church but has a friend who does. Unfortunately, her friend didn’t sign up for VBS, so Paisley didn’t know a soul.
I could see the fear on Paisley’s face. I watched as other girls filled their plates and chose different tables. I invited two brothers to sit at our table. I recognized them from church but didn’t know them.
I attempted to break the ice by asking the kids about the best gift they had ever received. The older boy, Aiden, responded with one word, Nintendo. Paisley, in a very quiet voice, said she didn’t know.
I recognize introversion when I see it. I was a painfully shy child. I eventually overcame shyness but still feel uncomfortable and awkward if I don’t know anyone.
Paisley was so uncomfortable that at one point, she turned her body away from the table, hiding her face. It was heartbreaking.
The pastor, the father of five, joined our table. He asked questions and was able to elicit more than a one word response from the kids. Paisley said that she once gave her mother flowers and chocolate.
I asked Paisley what grade she was in. Fourth grade, she responded. I got up and went to a table with three girls and asked the same question. The pastor’s daughter said that she is in the 4th grade. So I told her about the girl at my table who doesn’t know anyone.
Elovie is an extrovert. She makes friends easily. I have seen her befriend a shy child at Sunday School. Elovie came over and introduced herself to Paisley. The rest of the evening, Paisley had fun with Elovie and other new friends.
It’s been great seeing the kids having fun at Vacation Bible School. More importantly, they’re hearing about Jesus and how much he loves them, no matter who they are.
Innermost Being 