September 9 – “In the WalMart parking lot …”

I went to staff meeting up at the church yesterday morning.  Jim and Charlette (Yes.  That’s how she spells it.  Oh, sorry.  I was talking to auto-correct there for a second) were busy entering songs into the computer for Sunday morning.  Bob and Amber were out in the parking lot pondering the pole where they were about to attempt the grand installation of none other than a basketball goal.  We have had one out there numerous times in the past.  Nathan and Cory spent many hours out there, in fact, as did many neighborhood kids.  The site of the goal they played on is now a big cross.  The next goal was installed when we had elementary school students, so it was hanging well below the standard height.  It lasted a few years before it succumbed to the rigors of Galveston salt breezes and oversized dunkers showing off their skills. 

Jim and Amber and I jumped in to help, but Bob had definitely developed a plan in his head, so we waited for instructions.  The new backboard was kind of flimsy, so Bob’s plan was to attach it to a piece of treated plywood that he found under the building.  That, a few spare two by fours, and only two trips to the hardware store for screws and bolts were all the materials he needed.  Well, along with his unskilled labor force.  The church finally had a basketball goal again.  Regulation height.  I can’t wait to see what manner of magnet this one becomes.

After lunch Chris and I went to WalMart to get some groceries.  And we saw something quite unusual there.  OK, I know what you’re thinking.  “You were at WalMart.  The unusual is the usual there.”  Well, that’s certainly true, and we did see plenty of unusual people (the absolute best and most entertaining thing about going to WalMart), but this wasn’t one of the people.  Nope.  This we saw before we ever made it to the front door.  As we approached I glanced up and saw a white, souped-up convertible sports car approaching.  The guy driving and his female passenger were enjoying the Galveston breezes and showing off their expensive-looking set of wheels.  We waited for them to pass us before crossing the street (always a good idea, by the way, kids).  And speaking of wheels … this contraption only had three of them.  Two in the front and one in the back.  And it had a name flourishing across its side: Slingshot.  Cute name for a … whatever it was.  Chris looked it up when we got home.  It is technically a motorcycle, not a car.  The website said you had to check with your own state to see what kind of drivers’ license you would need to get behind the wheel.  Well, if that’s what motorcycles look like nowadays, maybe I will consider riding one.  At least in the WalMart parking lot.

1 Corinthians 15:57 says, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Father, thank you for people like Bob and Amber and Jim who are so willing to take on the little jobs around the church.  Honor their efforts.  Make them happy today.  Amen.