Just two weeks ago I had the opportunity to serve at the childcare program of a missions conference. Christian camp had a huge impact on me as a kid, and it was amazing to be able to be a part of once again. It was a lot of work, most days beginning with lesson planning at 6 am, leading an activity, teaching a lesson, helping with crafts, life-guarding and playing games, grabbing dinner at a nearby market, and then more lesson planning until around 10 pm. It was so worth it, though. The kids had amazing stories of faith! I learned a lot from them, and it was a blessing to make it possible for their parents to attend the sessions at the conference.
I want to preface this by saying the kids were awesome! They have some incredible parents. Inspiring families!
At one point, I did have a challenging situation, though (which was mostly my fault.) For the first couple of days, I was following a VBS skit which was geared toward a younger audience. I wasn’t aware of age-appropriateness, though, so I just followed the skit for both age groups.
Following the VBS plan, I was dressed as Moses–full beard, wig and all–and I was saying some cheesy jokes. The older kids teased me, and the group began to turn against me! Shouts of “I hate Moses!” and “Let’s throw Moses in the fire!” (there was a fake camp fire) broke out around the room.
I didn’t know what to do. I knew they were joking around, but I also knew it would probably be the responsible thing to let them know that it isn’t appropriate to threaten to kill a teacher. I envisioned two scenarios: I could either cry like I kinda wanted to, or I could be an adult and handle the situation.
I turned away to pull off my fake beard, and when I turned back, I was serious. I told them that their remarks were disrespectful and that they should apologize.
And it worked! (Again, great kids.) For the rest of the camp I planned lessons for the older kids which they enjoyed much more. No more mobs!
It was a significant moment for me. Although this was not a serious situation, it was good practice for me to stand up for the right thing. The situation helped me see how Christ has given me confidence recently.
Now it’s time to start living like I should all the time. Christ has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that we may declare the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light.
What in the world (or out of it) do I have to fear? It’s risky, but I’m asking God for more chances to “take off my ridiculous beard,” discern from him what I should do, and then act boldly.
(Worst that could happen is I get thrown into construction-paper flames.)
