My VBS adventure

Somewhere in the back of my mind I have been contemplating switching careers and becoming a teacher.
To see how I'd like it, I volunteered to teach Vacation Bible School recently at church. Though I only taught for four half-days, I was exhausted and left with a deep appreciation for what teachers go through on a regular basis. For the most part, I had a great bunch of second-graders. I did, however, have two boys who really made the job a challenge. I can't imagine what it would be like to have these kids in a class every day for an entire school year.
I refuse to let the negative experiences outweigh the positive. It was great to see kids grasp what we were teaching. I loved it when they memorized their daily verses. It was incredible to see how much pride and joy they brought each day to each station we went to.
My first day ended with only one kid going to the hospital. Not bad, I figured, considering at times I felt like sending a couple boys there myself (just kidding). One of the real sweethearts in the class ran into the girls room and smacked her head against a corner. It took seven stitches to close up the wound.
I had incredible support from the staff and volunteers at Paramount Terrace Christian Church. I can't say enough for all that each person did to make the whole thing work. I think, in the long run, we gave some kids a week's worth of entertainment and memories for a lifetime. More importantly, we gave them the message that Jesus loves them and wants a relationship with them.
I know they got the message. I could watch it sink in. Even the troublemakers seemed to get it. And that alone made worth all the trouble in the world.
Maybe there is something worthwhile to being a teacher. I know there must be, otherwise so many people wouldn't do it for such little pay.