We're all coming off from the 4th of July weekend, and at least in the offices at church, our minds are almost as foggy as the subtle firework mist still lingering in the air this morning. It was truly an exceptionally great weekend--and that for many reasons: family, friends, celebrations, and church events that truly rocked.
The event most specifically sticking out in my mind this morning was the church's first Independence Day picnic and firework display on Sunday night. Thanks to Brett Ferguson, an active leader at Horizons, who offered to provide and direct the display, not only did we have hundreds of folks join for food and lawn games, but we also had the privilege of sitting in awe and amazement as Brett and friends orchestrated the evening display of colors, crackles, and booms. At one point, during a particularly colorful burst and flutter of fireworks, I remember thinking to myself, this moment needs to last...
This is important because of what we often do instead of letting moments last. More often, once something good is over, we either slide back into routines of everyday life in an attempt simply to keep things going, or we move from that moment waiting for the next big thing to dazzle our lives. In all truth, neither of these two behaviors really keep us tethered to the wonder and blessings of God.
If you think about it, all through both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, the Israelites and even early Christians leaders continually referred back to the same stories of God's activity for their meaning and proof. The most told told and retold story in scripture is that of God delivering His people from Egypt, into the promised land. Many times as I've read these recalls of an ancient act, I've thought to myself, man, God's done a ton since that. Couldn't they have been a little more thoughtful or creative and recalled other accounts of God's works instead of always going to the same old story???
But that's the point. I'm thinking those thoughts as one who often misses the chance to let something have a full life in my memory and living. On the contrary, God's people in the Bible hinged on that story as people continuing to be moved by one single event--knowing that it WAS ENOUGH for eternity to inspire, direct, and prove.
So as I watched Brett's display light up the night and the faces of many onlookers, and as I thought to myself that this moment needed to last, I decided to fight back my normal habit of letting the moment fade while I returned to the routines and went in search of the next dazzling moment. Like the day God freed His people from slavery for all time, the celebration of God freeing a young man today, which was being displayed by a firework show Sunday night, will be a story and moment that will last for a long time. This is how I know God is good, that Jesus is mightily working still today, and that He faithfully leads us always. This is my story, and I'm hanging onto it--it's worth letting last.
Thanks Brett and the many others who helped make Sunday's party amazing! Praise God!
More to come--at such occasions that similarly inspire!
Jason <><
