Crossroads Community Church

Working with kids through the years has given me many reasons to laugh. I have had a multitude of opportunities, as a former elementary school teacher, as a mom, and as a leader, volunteer, and staff member in our children’s ministry here at church.

Any one who has spent time around kids knows that the laughter is one of those perks that you have to enjoy and savor when it comes.  There will certainly be days working with children, when you need a good healthy dose of it since you also have to occasionally put up with the other less-attractive side of children.  But we won’t mention the whining, the biting, the crying, etc.  Oops!  I just said we wouldn’t mention that.  Sorry!

Recently I have been reading a book by Gary Thomas entitled, Pure Pleasure, which has got me thinking about how, despite my work with children, I haven’t been laughing enough.  The book encourages taking time to rest, and to find pleasure in enjoying life.

I tend to overwork, over plan, over achieve.  Sometimes I forget my identity is in Christ and instead I find my worth in what I do.  So I am realizing that when I begin to take myself and my work too seriously, I am not trusting God.  I have to constantly remind myself that I cannot do it all.  God doesn’t want me to.  God would rather I rest and depend on Him a little more often.  God would rather see me laugh a little more often.

So this month – the month of May, I want to commit to God in public.  On my blog – for the entire world to see (okay the entire world won’t read it but they could!) – I want to commit to taking a day off…or at least an afternoon, once a week.   I need to get out and take a walk in the sunshine.  Read a good book.  Laugh with my kids.

Dear God, I want to trust you with all the stuff on my “to do” list.  I want to enjoy this life you have blessed me with.   I want to laugh more.  I want to trust you more, God.

So, if you see me around church, ask me if I took a day off.  Or tell me a good joke. 

- Deb Vos