Wondering

 I did Gearing Up two weeks ago!  And now, baccalaureate,  graduation, little Henry's surgery all done! All went great! Henry is doing terrific!

VBS IS HERE!

But as I am sitting at church trying to get last minute prep done... excitement for our week of VBS warring with a heavy heart as our family has lost another loved one...our dear Uncle David...wondering how do we be excited and grieve at the same time?  

The theme slogan for vacation bible school is "Called together to serve God"

Our verse:

 📖 So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up. Romans 15:19 (CEB)

This, to me, speaks volumes about what has been happening all around me.

People stepping in and stepping up to prepare for this ministry we do every year...to show children (and their families) about the love of God and what it means to serve Christ.

My Aunt Mary being called to serve in one of the most heart wrenching,  but beautiful ways God asks of us....to care for a loved one in their last days. And those serving along side her, physically and emotionally. 

I don't have to wonder how we have excitement and joy mingled with the sadness and sorrow.

Each person serving demonstrates Jesus...and what He called us to do.

📖 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romams 12:10

📖  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4

📖 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

We can be excited that we are going to show and teach little hearts what Jeaus's love is all about....service...to those around us, to our neighbors and our family...what ever that may look like.

In doing so, someone may come to follow Jesus and serve others in His name too!

We can have joy knowing, that like Uncle David who is with His Savior right now, they have the assurance of eternal life!

📖 God’s kingdom isn’t about eating food and drinking but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever serves Christ this way pleases God and gets human approval. So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up. Romans 14:17-19

(CEB)

🙏Dear Lord, may each of us strive to serve You and in doing so bring peace and build each other up as You have asked us to do. Please bring comfort to all who are serving You through sorrow and tragedy. ❤️