Excuses, Excuses

‘Tis the season for rounding up volunteers for Children’s Ministries summer programs – Sunday school, children’s church, VBS, etc.  Do any of these sound familiar?  A compilation of some actual responses from church members who were asked to volunteer for ONE Sunday this summer:

 

   “Unfortunately, I am not able to help this year. I can offer my

prayers…. I have my hands full right now with work, family and school. Try me again next summer……”

 

“My daughter just graduated from high school and will be going away to college in the fall.  We’re not taking on any outside commitments.  We just want to spend the summer focusing on our family and spending time with her.”  (How much time does one 18 y.o need?)

 

“I’m with my kids all day, every day.  I need a break on Sundays.”  (And what do you think the rest of us are doing?)

 

“I watch my grandson three mornings a week, and I’m just exhausted.  I need a break!”  (From what?!)

 

“My summer is crazy as of right now. but if you email me I’ll try to sub for you. All the Sundays I’m not at a sport or other youth camp I’ll sub for you.”  (Is that a Yes or a No?)

 

“I think this year I will take the summer off from involvement; however I wouldn’t mind helping somewhere in the fall.  Summer is just too busy.”

 

“I’d love to help out BUT I’m really swamped.  Can you find someone else?”  (We’re a little thin on “someone else’s” at the moment…)

 

“I need to take more time for myself.”  (Don’t we all….?)

 

“I don’t have any kids that age anymore.”  (A perfect candidate!)

 

“My husband doesn’t want me to do it this summer because we don’t know when we’re going to be here or be gone.”  (Ever heard of a calendar?)

 

“We’re not going to do anything this summer.  We just want to relax.”  (Now there’s a real “servant’s heart” for you.)

 

“We’re going to be out of town the entire month of June.” 

“Excellent, because we have open slots in July and August.  Can you fill one of those?”

“Well, the 4^th of July is always so busy…”

“How ‘bout late July?”

“We may be busy…”

 

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COMING SOON:

More thoughts on “the Proverbs 31 woman.”  It’s not what you think.  Stay tuned.