Middle school and high school youth are an integral part of the leadership of Vacation Bible School at Christ Memorial Presbyterian Church–under the watchful care of loving adults of a large span of ages. Two of the afternoons they stay later–one is a mission day and the other is just for fun. This year, our mission afternoon was called Random Acts of Kindness Day. We began with a Bible study and discussion about the experience of feeling “not good enough” (sports, academics, looks, parental expectations…). We found we are either disappointed or discouraged when we fail or fall short of the standards set by others (or perhaps even ourselves). That failure either makes us try harder the next time or often means we never try again. Or worse. But as followers of Jesus Christ, we have hope in God and understand that God’s love is unconditional. Good news!
(Romans15:13, 1 Peter 1:3-4)
We believe that God believes we are good enough.

We wanted to let others know that. So we baked chocolate chip cookies for our church staff and made reminder rocks for the community.

The stones came from the craft store and we each took one and wrote “You are good enough. Love, God” on it with a fine point black sharpie. We then drove to a popular outdoor area in our town and each found a place to lay his or her rock–nestled in the grass, at the base of a water fountain, in an empty paddle boat. One youth handed hers to someone who said “thank you!”

Simple yet profound. Evangelical in an understated way. And hopefully, a word of encouragement for those who find it. On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand.

Liz Perraud
Christian Education Committee Chair
Christ Memorial Presbyterian Church
Columbia, Maryland