Returning to Life in the Fast Lane

This seems to be my life. Life in the fast lane. I'd like to be in the middle lane, or maybe even the slow lane, but I can't seems to get over there, so, I guess in the fast lane I will remain.

People sometimes are surprised that my job is full time, or that I have a staff to help out with KidsZone. They wonder what in the world we do all day. Some people even think that if you work at the church, that life is easy for you....so, I thought I'd just take a moment of time to let you in on a day in the life of working in KidsZone.

So, I returned to work on a Wednesday (what was I thinking???)...my in box was so full of emails, I thought I'd never get caught up (that was to start with), and each email normally has something for me to do, or follow up on, so that takes time to follow up on things, make sure things are getting done, solve issues that arise, talk to people...sometimes one person, sometimes several people back and forth.

We share the building with the school, and they had just started school for the year. We always have to work things out between us so that we can all function easily during the year...it just takes alot of communication sometimes.

Then, there is Wed nights to think about. We were getting ready to start up for the fall, so that means you need to keep making phone calls to try to get enough help, and then have people come in for training, which, when they all can't come at the same time, that takes extra time, but it is very important.

Then there is Sunday morning coming fast. YOU HAVE to be ready for that. So, that means meeting with the children's church team to make sure we are all on the same page for all of the details for Sunday, and that everyone knows what their piece of the action is, then you divide and conquer. My piece is to make sure we have leaders for all of the small groups, make sure they have curriculum for that week, and make sure they know what they need to do. If people can't make it, then I need to email or call for subs...after all, you can't have kids and no leaders!!!

I also am in contact with the Preschool Director and Nursery Director to make sure that they have enough help for the upcoming Sunday, and that they are all ready to go.

Then choir is beginning on Sunday, so you need to have a choir meeting to make sure that everyone is all on the same page about choir, and work out any last minute details for the upcoming Sunday, so that things will run as smooth as possible.

Then there is AWANA to think about. They also start up on Sunday, so just like with the other groups, I am talking several times with the AWANA commander to make sure that everything is set and ready for them on Sunday.

All of these groups have a few special requests, which need to be taken care of, and each activity that will be running or starting has alot of people and details involved. I just work with the key leaders of each area, but still, it takes time. It is very important to me that all of our leaders feel supported and that we do whatever we can to make sure their needs are taken care of, so that they are equipped to minister to the children when they arrive.

On Wed, my first day back from vacation, I worked 12 hours just trying to get caught up and make sure that everyone was as ready as possible for the upcoming events. So, Welcome back to me!!

Thursday, another long day. I am also leading a ladies bible study, so that means I need to attend a meeting for that, and then of course I need to follow up with all the ladies attending my group. (I do attend bible study during work hours, but I come in way early so I don't lose the time b/c I can't get done if I do).

When I was finished with bible study, the KidsZone team had lunch together. We all brought our own lunches and ate together in Zone 56 and had birthday cake for one of the ladies. It is important to have team time together, and besides, we had a birthday to celebrate! Making each person on the team feel special and cared for is important.

Then it is on the children's church run through, and a race till the end of the day including a few not so good surprises, just more things that needed fixed.

Oh yes, and I forgot to mention that I answer alot of questions each day and make a lot of decisions...sometimes it is little decisions and sometimes it is bigger decisions, but life in my office is busy and buzzing most all of the time. Life in KidsZone is sort of like housework, there is always something else to do. I also didn't mention that I seem to get included in a lot of meetings too. So, if I can't be found, I'm usually in a meeting someplace :(

If we ever do feel like we are getting caught up, then we are normally planning for the future...so I guess the motto is, if you are getting bored with today, think about tomorrow. :)

I hope you can see though that life in KidsZone is full of life and energy, all of the time. I love my team, they are great, and the bottom line is that we are dedicated to ministering to the children, so whatever it takes.....

Now, it has been almost two weeks since I returned, and thankfully, all the fall activites are up and running smoothly...I LOVE THAT......now I just have to keep up with all of it week to week, continue to plan ahead, and deal with all the meetings and surprises!!!