Kind of a Big Day

The calls were animated and loud.

Every parent let us know exactly how they felt.

There was no mistaking the emotions involved.

And I could see how Yesenia struggled to process it all.

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!”

Tearful expressions of joy and blessings spewed from her phone.

You’d think we’d have awarded these kids a free ride to college or a new car.

But it was only time and attention that prompted this response.

And it all centered around a church service.

Our Catalina is among the fans of a popular Christian band called “Funky.”

Word got out that the group would play at a local Easter service.

Catalina's favorite aunt offered to take her.

But Yesenia thought to invite every kid from our senior Sunday school class.

They piled into two cars to hear the Easter message in between songs.

Funky’s biggest hit wouldn’t fit into your typical church service.

But to the delight of all, they belted it out right after the scheduled closing song.

5-6 songs isn’t much of a concert, but these kids kept singing for hours.

And they were too hyped to end the day early.

So, Yesenia picked up pizzas, and her sister opened her home.

The singing, laughter, and storytelling lasted well into the evening darkness.

And when they finally got home, their happiness infected parents and siblings.

Mothers told us they had never seen their kids so happy.

Others said their child hadn’t spoken this much to them in years.

The day was a lasting memory that will stick with them for a long time.

It is always our hope that memories of what we do stick with kids.

Perhaps it inspires them to save money for a concert ticket or something bigger.

They might value friendships a little more after a day of such joyful fellowship.

Maybe recalling this event helps them find a smile on an awful day.

We trust they’ll remember the faith component of our activities, too.

And be reminded that Jesus is with them.

In my teens, concerts and pizza were practically a religion.

But most of these kids don’t have cable TV, much less cars and ticket money.

So, attending a short concert and a raucous pizza party was kind of a big day.

With God’s grace, we'll provide more big days like this down the road.