Today was our last day in Atlanta, and wow was it packed. We went to White Water Atlanta, The Varsity, and to see the new Spiderman movie. Full day, I would say so. There was a small bump in the road that occured in the morning at White Water Atlanta, that potentially could have derailed the entire day.
Earlier, before we left the hotel, Ryan had us all turn to John 13 and read the account of Jesus washing the disciples' feet. (There was something I observed while reading this passage this morning. Jesus was about to return to God, sit at His right hand in glory, yet he chose to spend some of His final hours on Earth serving and washing other's feet. He also said this was an example for his disciples to follow and they were not above any type of service. If the High King of Heaven stooped down and washed feet, then I can surely find some people to serve).
He asked us to think about ways we could serve today, or to find someone to serve. A couple of youth said they could serve by helping around at the water park when people needed it. Good responses. Because we had a few students to back out of the trip, there were 4 extra tickets to the water park. Ryan figured this would be an awesome way to bless a family.
When we got to the park, we were all hyped up about giving the tickets away, and riding the water slides. Before you can enter the park, there are two security guards posted to check bags. So, we thought to catch a family before they entered. Our first few attempts were unsuccessful because alot of people had season passes or had already purchased their tickets. Trying not to get bummed out, we tried harder. After several minutes, there was a family who accepted our offer of FREE water park tickets, when all of a sudden, one of the security guards came up to us.
"Sir, this is illegal, this is scalping. I have called my supervisor and your group needs to wait right here."
"Ma'am, we are a church group who has too many tickets. We are just trying to give them away."
"It doesn't matter, that is scalping and it is against the law. Just wait right here."
Uhhhhhhhh. So we waited. Sara broke out her phone and looked for the legal definition of scalping, while I searched the tickets we had. 1000 dollar fine and up to 90 days in jail, great youth trip CrossPointe. But, only the resale of tickets is considered scalping. After about ten minutes of calming my wife and Ryan, the supervisor came out to speak with the security guard. The supervisor quickly told the security guard that they were our tickets and as long as we didn't trade money for them, we could do as we wish. Wow, glad to know that.
Once this was settled, we found a different nice family to give the tickets to, (they made the other family go into the park), and we had a fine day. All of that to say this; serving, being nice, being kind, can sometimes run you into awkward and frustrating situations. But it's what we are called to do. If serving was convenient or easy, everyone would do it. But it's not. Jesus calls us to look past overzealous security guards to a family that needed a blessing. Maybe they didn't think too much about it, but maybe they did. That simple, "We want to bless you today with these tickets, have a great day, God bless." may mean something to them.
In one of the lines for a ride, Lindsay T and Summer D. suggested we play a game. At first I was hesitant. These people are going to take us for fools. Once we started playing, there was no longer a concern for that, but many people did enjoy watching us play and laugh. At one point, Ryan and Charles were playing Bullfrog (a little girl's game) in the line for the ride. I think that could be a service as well. To bring laughter and joy to places and people that may not have any, or just might need some.
Rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty is definitely service, but sometimes spreading joy is a great service too. Try it sometime, brighten someone's day, sing a joyful song, make a joyful noise.
I have enjoyed my time in Atlanta with CrossPointe youth, there are some great young people here and we are blessed to have them. I count it an honor to serve this group and this church.
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