Lessons From The Ship –

This week our wonderful church, Northwoods Presbyterian, is hosting Vacation Bible School (VBS). I thought I’d try to blog EVERY day this week (yikes!). Each day I know I’ll be inspired. Today I’d like to write a few minutes about the power of a smile and a cheerful heart. We have 170 kids at our church this week for VBS. if I had to guess, I would say less than half of the registrants are actual members of our church and the other half of our kids are from our neighborhood and surrounding community. What that means, is that at approximately 9 a.m. we had a good, large number of families show up with no experience of our campus. When I asked our Children’s Director where she’d like me to help out, she said registration. I was thrilled. You know what one of my favorite things to do is???? GREET STRANGERS with a BIG SMILE.

I got to help anyone who needed directions, help, or answers this morning. I got to talk with nervous kids, disoriented parents and excited volunteers. My goal was to welcome and direct. Loved it! I got to help kids feel comfortable as we got them escorted to the correct rooms and help parents feel assured that we will take great care of their wee ones.

I have always loved connecting people. So greeting both the new and the old and helping them find their place at our VBS was such a pleasure. I just loved my job this morning. Loved watching our staff and volunteers joyfully welcome all the kids to our great High Seas Expedition Vacation Bible School. Our director, Michelle, and assistant director, Amanda, plus the VBS team leads, Kristin, Kortni & Tami, are so amazing. With all of their details, sleepless nights, crafts, more details, and amazing organization ~ they have produced an amazing environment for kids to experience the deep rolling waters of God’s love.

Watching all of the youth helpers, dedicated volunteers and VBS crew was so enriching. All of the smiles! All of the big hearts! All of the welcoming words!!! Nothing better than seeing God’s love in action!
Today’s lesson was that a warm smile helps connect! Eases nerves! and helps people feel welcomed!

A smile is one of the easiest and most precious gifts you can pass on to others. A smile can lift someone’s spirits and heal a wounded heart. It can make people feel better, about themselves, about others, and about the world. You can make a difference…with a smile.

I am so grateful I got to be part of the adventure! See you tomorrow for some more lessons from the ship!