THIS WAY

One thing Ken helped do for Kaili's graduation party was to put out the signs directing people to her party.  One person put the lettering on the signs.  One person put the sticks on the sign.  one person added the balloons.  One person put them in the ground at certain locations......but it was the responsibility of EVERY driver to follow the signs if they wanted to be sure and arrive at her party.

Invitations had been sent out.  Food prepared.  Tables and Pavillion all decorated in school colors.   Plenty of outdoor games were ready to be enjoyed.  Powerpoint presentation set up and scrolling picture after picture of Kaili.   Kaili had a table full of accomplishments for all to see what she has done up until this point in her life.  But that is all the family could do.   Now it was up to the people to come.

There is some anticipation before such a party.  One thing for sure, they had enough seating and enough food!  In fact they had EVERYTHING in order.   But the wait for the cars  was hard.  We knew of other events in the area that may be drawing people to other places.   What will we do with all this leftover food?  How disappointed Kaili will be if only a handful come!

THEN, the cars started coming.  They had followed the signs right to Kaili's party.   Plenty of people gathered to celebrate Kaili's graduation.  She had relatives from both sides galore.   Children were playing in the fenced park area.  Men were playing horseshoes.  There were bean bag games, bocci ball, croquet, balls, frisbees, slides, swings, merry-go-round.......and more food than you can imagine. Kaili was dressed so pretty, greeting each guest as they came to celebrate her graduation.

As Christians, that is all we can do as well.  We send out invitations.  We let people know they are personally invited to join the family of God.  We explain to them HOW.  We put up signs along the way showing them, leading them to the right place.   We tell people about Jesus and all He has done for them.  We invite them to come to His table of riches now and forevermore.  We tell them of all He has accomplished for them.    We can put out balloons  by having special events, we can make the signs big and flashy....but it still is up to each individual.....to WANT to come to Christ.

I pray that you and I will be faithful to put the signs out.....for Christ.

Escanaba City Band

Most of our family gathered together at this Band Shell to hear the Escanaba City Band play patriotic music.  The band looked so nice in their red and blue uniforms.  The numerous american flags only added to the festivity as we honored our flag.  The band had a great sound and there were lots of various instruments making up this band.  

But our eyes were only on one clarinet player, our grandaughter, Kaili. 

No offense to all the other members, for indeed I am sure they are fine people and great musicians......but our family came to hear Kaili play.

Our eyes were fixed on watching her whether she was playing or not playing, whether she was sitting or standing. Our attention was on one beautiful, newly graduated, young lady playing her clarinet.  I am very sure, she was aware of our presence in the audience, yet her attention was on the Director and on the notes in front of her.  Her eyes and attention were properly focused , as expected of each member of the band.   THAT produces the sound the audience applauds for.

I am sure there are lots of lessons we can glean from this - but right now I am thinking about the Church.  We are a team, although we play various instruments, or have various roles and talents.  Sometimes one section is featured, and another section is silent.  Sometimes we all play together where one instrument does not dominate over another. Sometimes a player or two will be featured for a short time.   But at the end of the concert, it was all about the Band as a whole. 

The Band as a whole, reading notes on a page and following the direction of a Conductor.  Oh it is so similar to a healthy Church, where the people have various roles, and yet work together as a team.....using the Bible as a guidebook, and following the Conductor of our lives:  The Lord Jesus.

Some people go to Church to see a particular player (maybe the Pastor), or to hear a particular instrument (like worship music)....but God wants us to go to Church to hear the beauty of the Body of Christ....in sweet unity....loving each other.

Let's go to Church, pick up your 'instrument', read the manual and follow the Conductor.....and show the world how beautiful it truly is, to be a Christian!