Having Any Fun?

I wonder what moments, that aren't recorded in scripture, the disciples and Jesus had together that were simply fun and full of joy.  We mostly hear about the big stuff in the gospels because each is an intentional document written to make a serious point.  But I trust there were tons of moments when deep laughter and silliness overcame that group of 13 as they poured their hearts into a world and history changing movement.

My reasons for wondering come from my reflection over this last Sunday (6/8/14), as we celebrated our 2nd annual Volunteer Sunday.  One of the best parts of the day is that it's simply a bunch of fun!  We (literally) roll out the red carpet for our volunteers, cheer them on, take pictures of them, recognize them, and bless them during the day.  But in every aspect of it, we go over the top.  In some ways, way over the top.

This year I continued my station at the microphone outside, announcing across the parking lot the arrival of our next volunteers to the tunes of Super Man, Star Wars, etc.  We continued the tradition of playing little rock riffs as we congratulated and blessed our volunteers during worship.  We continued to be appreciative and thankful.  But new for this year, we also decided to spell "Thank You" with our staff t-shirts, and our decorations were everywhere!

There was tons of laughter about the event's magnanimity, slight embarrassment and big smiles as I forced people to walk down the red carpet, and chuckles as we worshiped, sang, and reflected.

But the best part was not just in the particular moments of our event.  The best part was that for a whole Sunday we remembered how to laugh at church and simply enjoy the day.  We remembered that church is not only about setting our hearts fervently toward our Savior, but also letting our hearts be free--free enough not to care or worry, free enough to fall into God's hands, free enough to spell "honk" with our letters and enjoy having the idea.

Isaiah 30:20-21 reminds us there will be times when we have adversity and affliction in our lives, but we are also being taught to have joy.  Today I ask all of us, are we remembering to have any fun?  Our lives are about that as well!




More to come!

Jason <><