"Firecrackers"

I hope some of you have been checking out my Lenten devotional blog The 40 Day Adventure.  As we head down the home stretch towards Easter, it is important that we spend time focusing on what Jesus did for us.  The scripture above, from 2 Corinthians 6:11, has been our theme for the adventure.  I hope that you are living your life WIDE OPEN!  Now on with the show...

My friends and readers understand my deep love for Walt Disney World.  There are so many things about the parks, the resorts and everything else on property that make me smile and make me feel like it is indeed the "happiest place on earth."  But I do have to admit that not everyone feels the same way I do...

The group from Holly Spring Friends Meeting that joined us on the Floridays 1993 trip added quite a bit to our adventure.  Aside from their van (that story is still to come) they contributed mostly good things and positive energy to our group.  The six students- Darrin Allen, Justin Hinesley, Steven Brady, Shelly Brady, Beth West and Devon Cox, were all great and became friends with many of our youth from Springfield Friends.  One of their adults leaders, Sharon Caughron, ran around with us most of the week so she could see all of WDW.  She had to do this because, quite frankly, her husband and my fellow youth pastor Mark Caughron was a party pooper most of the week. 

You see, Mark didn't quite GET Disney- or if he got it, he didn't really like it!  He complained about the crowds, about the cost of the food, about the lines and about the attractions themselves.  He was always ready to go back to the CBR for a nap.  He never had any sense of adventure about being at WDW.  It just wasn't his kind of place.  The story that best illustrates his feelings happened one night at the Disney/MGM Studios.  It had been another long day in the parks for our group, and as 11 PM approached it was time for Sorcery in the Sky (see picture), the amazing fireworks display choreographed to movie music and narrated by Vincent Price.  We had secured a good viewing location (by standing and waiting; this is what you have to do at WDW) and the group was very excited.  Veterans from our 1990 trip had told everyone what an incredible show they were about to see.  As we neared the starting time for Sorcery, Mark told his group that it was time to go back to the resort.  They didn't want to, and we began telling Mark (again) what an awesome show he would miss if they left.  Mark decided his wife and his youth would stay, but he was leaving.  His reason?  "It's no big deal- I've seen firecrackers before."  Yep- he actually compared the greatest fireworks show in all of WDW to "firecrackers."  What could we say?

I am sure Mark enjoyed more of that trip than I remember.  I certainly hope so.  But it really didn't matter.  Mark was an excellent youth pastor, and he would have been the first to tell you that he signed his youth up to be a part of the trip because he thought THEY would enjoy WDW.  For a good youth minister, youth ministry is ALWAYS about the students.  That may sound obvious, but you would be stunned at how often it is not true.  I'm glad Mark and Sharon brought their group with us, and even more relieved that Sharon didn't bump Mark off that week!  See you tomorrow.

Because of Jesus,