Coffee & Common Grounds

Today I found myself once again stepping into a familiar place — volunteering for Vacation Bible School at our church. When I was first asked, I didn’t immediately say yes. In fact, it took several days… maybe even a full week… of prayer, hesitation, and honest conversation with the Lord before I came to a peaceful “yes.” Ok

My first thought was simple and human:
“What could I possibly have to offer a group of preteens at my age?”

But God, in His gentle and unmistakable way, intervened. He reminded me that age has never been a barrier to His calling. He whispered that He is still using me — still speaking through me — still sending me as His vessel to carry the message of His Kingdom. My prayer is that whatever I share with these young hearts will come straight from the Holy Spirit, in words they can understand, feel, and remember.

This year’s VBS theme, Illumination Station, has been stirring something in me. It’s a reminder that God doesn’t just shine on us… He shines through us. And sometimes the brightest light comes from the most unexpected lamps.

As we began preparing for VBS, our team gathered to decorate the room. And something beautiful happened. I became completely enamored — not with the decorations, but with the people. We had every age represented: senior citizens, almost‑senior citizens, young adults, and teens. And there we were… working side by side, laughing, exchanging ideas, and watching the vision God planted in our leader come to life.

In that moment, I saw something sacred. I saw how God weaves together different personalities, different generations, and different life experiences — all for one purpose: to reach hearts and minds for His Kingdom. But this year, I saw something else too. I saw light. The light of wisdom. The light of youthful energy. The light of creativity. The light of steady faithfulness. The light of people who simply said “yes” to God. It was as if the room itself became an Illumination Station — a place where God’s light was reflected, refracted, and multiplied through every willing heart.

As we hung decorations, cut paper, arranged props, and shared stories, I realized that God wasn’t just preparing a room for children. He was preparing us. He was knitting us together, reminding us that every generation has something holy to offer. He was showing me that calling doesn’t retire, purpose doesn’t age out, and the Holy Spirit equips us no matter our season of life.

I left that room grateful — grateful for the laughter, the unity, the shared mission, and the reminder that God delights in using His people of all ages to build His Kingdom.

As VBS begins, I sense the Lord whispering that He is already ahead of us — already softening hearts, already stirring curiosity, already preparing divine moments we haven’t even imagined. So I place this week in His hands. I place these children in His hands. I place our workers in His hands — all ages, all willing hearts — trusting that whatever He wants to pour out, He will.

May every lesson become a seed.
May every smile become an invitation.
May every conversation become a doorway for the Holy Spirit to move.
May every moment become a spark of illumination.

And may God take our simple efforts — our glue sticks, our laughter, our tired feet, our willing hearts — and breathe eternal purpose into them. Because if there is one thing I know, it is this: when God brings His people together, across ages and seasons, He turns ordinary rooms into Illumination Stations… and He prepares to do something holy. And I am humbled, grateful, and expectant to be part of it.

Lord, thank You for inviting us into Your work once again. Thank You for reminding us that no matter our age, our season, or our limitations, You still choose to use us as vessels of Your love and truth. What an honor it is to serve You.

As we step into this week of Vacation Bible School, we place every moment into Your hands. Go before us. Prepare the hearts of every child who will walk through those doors. Let them feel seen, loved, and drawn toward You in ways only Your Spirit can accomplish.

Bless our conversations, our lessons, our laughter, and even the small, ordinary moments. Turn them into holy ground. Let Your presence fill every corner of that room and every heart that enters it.

Unite us as a team — across generations, personalities, and experiences — so that together we reflect the beauty of Your Church. Strengthen us when we grow tired, guide us when we feel unsure, and speak through us when words fall short.

And Lord, may everything we do this week bring glory to Your name. Take our simple offerings and breathe eternal purpose into them. Use us, shape us, and let Your Kingdom come in ways far beyond what we can see.

We trust You, we love You, and we give this week fully to You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.