Vacation Bible School ... Take 2

At the beginning of this 2009 summer I signed Jared up for two Vacation Bible School's now that he was officially three. He's been dying to start preschool so we figured this would be a good test run. Now that we have been through one and a half VBS weeks, we get that he didn't really have a framework for what preschool would be like ... henceforth some growing pains. The first VBS was at Living Streams lat month - the week got off to a rough start, but ended up being awesome.

The 2nd is going on right now at Phoenix First Assembly - just minutes from our house. All of the neighborhood kiddos that are old enough are going: Joshua & Joy, Michael, and of course, Jared.

Days 1 and 2 got off to another rough start. Jared was pretty nervous to be left without me and a little overwhelmed in the big group setting. Both days I left him, he was crying. More growing pains and separation anxiey.

Today marked day number 3. This morning he said he didn't want to go ... more than once ... okay, to be honest ... quite a few times.

Not having the right answer (or any answer) on my own, we together prayed for wisdom. I so want to make the right decisions for my kids - I pray I can somehow strike the right balance between not forcing them to do things that would be damaging and not hindering their growth. I tell you - being a mommy is tough. During our devotions we read the story of David and Goliath - again (we read this one at least once if not more times every week). We prayed that Jared would be brave and courageous like young David ... we reminded each other of two of his memory verses: Philippians 4:13 and Psalm 56:3-4.

After prayer and devotions I still really felt like going would be good for him - especially because his neighborhood comrades would be close. When I took him and Michael, I stayed with him for a while and he seemed pretty happy ... hopefully, he was ok after I left.

After dropping his Bubba off, Will and I met with the wonderful Mrs. Stavros to enjoy coffee and to pick up a used Bosch mixer from her (PTL!). The whole time Will would ask, "Where's Bubba? Where's Bubby, Mommy?" Too cute.

We went back to Phoenix First a little early so we'd be there when Jared and all the kids reconvened for worship at the end of the day. I hoped it would make him more comfortable. I heard good reports from the other moms that Jared did well. It was so fun to watch the kids worship the Lord - Jared didn't see me and he didn't seem to mind that I wasn't there. It looked like he was really having fun ... I didn't want to bug him, but then he started to look a little sad. And, after he saw me, instead of being happy and more confident, he became super clingy. I'd love to report it ended on a high note, but not so much ... my two boys got into a little spat ... and Jared ended up pretty frustrated ...

Did I do the right thing by making him go? Did I help him by being present at the end? Or did I hinder by smothering?

Aahhh... I could so easily tormet myself with the endless questions and second guessing of what I am and am not doing right as a parent. I am so grateful, that I am not in this parenting thing alone ... that Philippians 4:13 and Psalm 56:3-4 apply to Mommies too, and not just scared little boys. I am so grateful that His mercies are new everyday.

I cling to the promise of Isaiah 54:13 and pray it would be true for the Barrett family ...

All your sons will be taught by the LORD,
and great will be your children's peace.

Joy rocking out to the worship





















Jared taking it all in ...






















Joy, Jared, and Will dancing for the Lord ... (and trying to get a better look at the dog)





















Not sure who this is, but the kids sure liked him!





















The neighborhood "gang" ... from left: Joy Utterback, Michael Hoxworth, Joshua Utterback, and Will Barrett ... way in the back is Jared pouting - admittedly, not his best moment.