Safari

One of the stories the news likes to feature right now is that many families are choosing to vacation closer to home this year due to the higher gas prices. I've been thinking of starting my own business and now may be just the right time! My unique commerce will offer a safari guide service for suburbanites over 40 years old to the foreign and mysterious world of inner-Dallas clubs for the rare occurrence of mingling with 20 years old in their natural habitat. I'm starting to learn the secret side trips that determine the difference between seasoned guides receiving generous tips and unproven guides leading naive travelers with terror-stricken eyes. For example, you simply must arrive a little earlier than the show to ensure that you will still have a car at the end of the night instead of a cab ride to the tow yard. But no 40+ can withstand the smoke and noise of the nightclub in large increments of time, nor can they stand on their feet for an exaggerated length of time when there are no chairs, much less recliners. The answer? The veteran guide who has personally attended the event and has investigated alternatives knows that you can arrive early, but instead of heading directly to the club you can stop and eat dessert at the fondue restaurant just a few doors down until it gets closer to the downbeat. Brilliant, no? I have references if you would like to travel to the wild and feral atmosphere of The Cavern.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, We ask that we demonstrate Your house rules as we welcome visitors. We can each make a difference for someone who enters through our doors if we act as personal tour guides that take the time to share additional jewels that may not be apparent at first glance: the devotionals, the tables displaying additional fellowship and mission opportunities, the listening aides, the full coffee pot, the nursery beepers for nervous parents and children, the potluck dinner down the way or the delight of staying a little after the service to hear the entire postlude played unabashedly, full-strength on the organ. That's an experience to be shared! O God, above all, let us be guides that are eager to be fellow explorers and travelers through a new course; the unexpected, wild and untamed journey of faith! Amen