I say it is a privilege, because there will come a time when our children don't want to be seen with us at a public amusement park. Or a grocery store, for that matter. So for now, privilege it is.
And last Friday night was the time-honored evening. We got there as the gates were opening up for our company outing at 6 p.m. This year, we focused the Friday night event on our two youngest, while our oldest will get a chance to go later this month for a no-kids event.
It was fun ... riding some of the very same rides that Veda and I rode on as a kid (and yes, there are still some of the original rides, smarty pants.) Bumper cars, the merry-go-round, the Dalonega ... and many more.
But about 10:15 p.m., we positioned ourselves near where the Gasp used to be so we would have a perfect view of the FIREWORKS extravaganza through an opening in the trees. A highlight of the evening! And they started right on time."Wait ... what is going on?" I thought to myself. As we were glued to our spots watching the August nighttime sky light up like a battlefield ... people were walking past us. BACKS to the show. "Are you kidding me? People ... turn around and see what you are missing! Stop!"
I couldn't believe it ... folks just walking along practically ignoring the display above our heads. What's got into people? This fireworks show is FREE ... it's awesome ... you won't get this every day! It's SPECIAL!
But then it hit me. That must be how we often look to God ... milling about down here in total oblivion to what He is doing. Turning our backs on His work. Ignorant and self-centered. Bypassing something that is not only FREE but available EVERY DAY! Wow ... we're crazy people. I can't say this in front of my younger kids or in the house ... but we're stupid.
So I asked myself and I'll ask you ... are we missing it? Is there some amazing stuff going on and we've either got our backs to it or we're overlooking it for what we think is a greater purpose? Reality check ... nothing is greater than what God is doing in our lives and those around us.
STOP! Turn around. Watch the fireworks. There will be more "oohs" and "aahs" than you could ever imagine if you just take the time to see what is happening.
Best display in town ... guaranteed.
2 comments:
I can't believe people ignore fireworks. That is sick and wrong.
I know that I get so caught up in life that I either ignore or have a jaded attitude about what is going on around me. To me, the fireworks represent God trying to speak to me. Sometimes I can hear the still, small voice that I believe is God's preference. Most of the time though, it takes the proverbial 2 X 4 to get my attention. This was beautifully written ... trying not to tear up. Keep it up, Chip.
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