authority

Interesting thing authority...

We just had the most amazing week of "Super Summer Spectacular" (which you may know as Vacation Bible School) and part of what made it amazing was the dedication of hundreds of volunteers. There were all these great people sharing in worship, dance, film, games, crafts, and Bible lessons shared by a drama team that really pulled out all the stops.

Behind the scenes was this incredibly organized group of volunteers known as "Security." And they did a great job of making the church a safe, fun place for children to have the time of their lives!

It started months ago with a background check of every volunteer who wanted to work with the kids...even in non-kid related things like cooking and cleaning. As a Mom I really appreciate that kind of detail. It amazed me to think of the kind of planning that went into last week -- things like flow of traffic; doors that could/couldn't be used; bathrooms that couldn't be used by adults & others that couldn't be used by kids; hallways & stairways that couldn't be used ; etc; etc all to keep the children safe -- and you know what? MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

I felt kind of bad when one of the hard-working security guys confided in me that the only people who gave them any kind of hassle were the volunteers...unfortunately the reason we were even talking about it is because I was one of those people. Yikes! I confess. It was Wednesday night when I ignored this friend's authority and went in the wrong direction...isn't that a great definition for sin?: Going in the wrong direction!

It's amazing how easily we get keyed up, you know -- all worked up about our "rights." I mean, hey, I just wanted to go get my purse, it was late, what's the big deal?! But it IS a big deal, more about His authority and our heart than about anything else. But on the way home that evening I got the "big smack down" from God. He totally convicted me in my heart all the way home.

I sensed Him questioning me: Who placed that young man in the doorway to make sure the kids were safe? (gulp, You God?) Who expects you to be respectful to all people whether you understand or agree with what they're saying? (bigger gulp, You Lord, I know, I blew it) Who expects you to go back tomorrow night and ask for forgiveness? (Really, won't he think I'm weird? Do You mean I don't get to just say to You that I'll do better next time?...Yes Lord, I'll ask him for forgiveness tomorrow night)

It was an amazing week with over 700 kids and everyone had fun, made friends, learned about Jesus, and were SAFE! With the grateful heart of a Mom and a volunteer I thank the "Security" team for all their hard work!!