Stay Childish, Vacation Bible School

"When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways." St Paul's first letter to the Corinthians.

If only that were true! I know a lot of adults who have not put aside childish ways. How else do you explain all those boats, fast cars and silly games on Facebook?

At our church, we have that wonderful summertime tradition of Vacation Bible School. I know the kids love it, but I think the adults volunteers love it the most.

It's a chance for grown ups to build dramatic scenery out of old cardboard boxes, and get all messy while painting them. The theatrical types get to dress up in Bible costumes and act out stories in front of children who suddenly get it: the Bible is about real people, just like us! Except that back then, the people wore old bathrobes, fake beards, dish clothes on their head and plastic swords around their waists.

I heard a rumor that this summer, the adult volunteers at our church all got bright orange construction hat with lights on them. Those upside down buckets kept the sweat nicely pooled on top of their heads with no opportunity for breeze to provide a relief. Don't ask me where they found this style of dress in the Bible, or what possible pedagogical purpose this attire served, other than martyrdom.

I think these adults just want to wear funny hats with lights on them because wearing funny hats is fun. Who can blame them? There are childish habits worth putting away, like selfishness and shortsightedness. But that childlike spirit of joy and play is worth keeping.

So here's to all the Vacation Bible School volunteers. Stay childish and keep mentoring. You guys bring us the best of both worlds.