“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2

This past weekend was a GRAND birthday celebration for one of my grandchildren. I say GRAND because, the way they do things today is FAR beyond anything we used to do when I was young. Reservations had been made at a local business labeled, ‘The nation’s largest inflatable adventure park,’ and 9 of my grandkids and all of my kids met to celebrate. What a crazy idea!!

AS I looked around, hundreds of kids, and at least a half dozen birthday parties, were joined together in one place. I was glad I had left my hearing aids at home as the noise was incredible. Everyone was on sensory overload and ‘parent bells’ were ringing off the hook as we tried to keep track of our own kids. When this much fun is available, rules have a tendency to leak out of kids heads, so our family automatically grouped close to the exit door! I settled in to watch!

Looking up I saw the advertised ‘Zip Rail Coaster.’ Hanging about 30 feet above and zipping around the rail like a puppet on a string, my inner child wished “I” could give it a try. I watched as one of my grandkids was making her way to the top to jump by faith! I could tell she was nervous, so I whistled and cheered her on. After a long pause, she turned around and walked back, too afraid to take the leap! I could feel her disappointment but knew this was a learning opportunity for her. Looking around, I saw other ‘Life’ opportunities as well.

Our 3 year old had to be reminded that he could NOT just run off by himself. A smaller one had to be consoled at being told he was too small for the ‘Zip Rail.’ Older grandkids were partnered up with younger and given the responsibility of ‘watching’ them… even though they’d prefer to be ‘set free.’ Waiting your turn, sharing, encouraging, consoling and even taking the time to ‘go potty’ were just a few of the many lessons taught while our kids played. Then I thought of ‘The Church!’

‘The Church’ is a unique and permanent fixture on and nurtured into a forever family that is fun…yet frustrating. Joyful…yet demanding. Free… but expensive! NEVER done ALONE, the purpose is to care for, and grow up, individual members into ONE thing that will be eternal… ‘The Bride of Christ!’ I was reminded this last weekend that while ‘Church’ can be work, it is SUPPOSED to be fun as well! Thinking, “what a CRAZY IDEA!” I heard loud cheering and looked up to see my ‘formerly frightened,’ granddaughter ‘flying’ above us! Her smile said it all!