Thursday was the final day of vacation Bible school at our church. I am writing this early in the week, but by the time you read it I will be both exhausted and exhilarated by the things I have seen and experienced this week.

Every year in early June, our church becomes the most hectic place in town as upwards of 200 children walk the hallways and fill the sanctuary. Some are there simply because they want to be near their friends. Others are there because their parents need a break.

But no matter the reason they come, they have the privilege of hearing the good news of God’s love.

VBS week is both the hardest and most rewarding thing that our church does every year. Again, almost 100 of our people volunteer their time, come straight to church from work, and stay past 9 p.m. to spend their evening with loud and excitable boys and girls.

Why would anyone give their time in such a manner? Quite frankly there is a simple explanation: God has been so good to us. He has shown us his love and grace, and we want to help others see his goodness, too.

Jesus once said to his followers, “They will know you are my disciples by the love you have for each other.” He also said that we will be known, “by our fruits,” meaning that the lives of true followers will produceworks and love that are similar to the works and love he produced.

In all honesty, by the time you are reading this I will be drained. But I know this: It will be a good tired as I refl ct on what has transpired this week. There is great blessing in knowing you are doing what God has called you to do.

I pray that you will find a place to serve him, as well. May your actions reflect that you truly believe what you say.