by DCE Shawn Maassel
Life is like an athletic event. Training and conditioning can prepare us for what’s ahead.
My son regularly trains for events and recently competed in an Oregon triathlon. He swam, biked, and ran to get ready. But he also moderated his nutrition during training to prepare his body for the next challenge.
I was thinking about that as I approached the big summer challenge of our church’s Vacation Bible School. Seventy kids and over thirty volunteers gathered for a week of singing, Bible stories, crafts, games, and snacks. While it was a lot of fun and a great opportunity to share Jesus, it took much preparation.
Circumstances leading up to VBS week had left me with a fuzzy brain, tempted to succumb to old habits that comfort rather than refresh. Sleepless one night as VBS loomed, I realized I had to do something different. I committed to my son’s tried-and-true process for tough events – train and condition for it!
I am determined to diligently care for myself and fuel my body to be at my best physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I cut back on alcohol and got back to mindful planning of my day’s nutrition and any add-ons. Daily I spent time with the Lord, praying, reading, and studying. I methodically tackled each task and was soon prepared for the upcoming week.
Sure enough, my training allowed me to realize success without incurring injury. I slept better and had a ‘margin’ in my schedule for time with my husband (not always the case in over twenty-five years of VBS leadership!)
Taking small steps to train my daily habits and condition my body prepared me for a tough VBS week. Regularly training and conditioning your body, mind, and spirit will help you face unexpected challenges and prepare you for the hard things you already know are on the horizon.
DCE Shawn Maassel
First Lutheran Church, Huntingtown, MD