This Sunday in 7/6 Worship

Dear Grace Family,

When I moved to Manhattan to serve First UMC, I asked someone where I should go to watch the Fireworks on July 4th. The answer was Wamego, Kansas. Wamego is a small town about 16 miles from Manhattan. Most of the year their identity is based on the Wizard of Oz. They have an Oz Museum, an Oz Winery, Toto’s Taco’s and even Dorothy’s House with the Wicked Witch of the East’s legs sticking out from underneath. They know how to embrace a theme, but one day a year they let all that go and become Boomtown USA! It is the largest fireworks show I have ever seen in my life. Most fireworks displays have a finale when they really let loose. In Boomtown, the entire show is a finale that lasts about 30 minutes. For the first ten minutes I thought, “This is the best Independence Day of my life.” Then I discovered something I did not expect. Are you familiar with the phrase, “Too much of a good thing?” At some point my senses became overwhelmed. The bright lights and loud booms no longer were a joyful celebration of American independence. I think at that moment I understood how many animals feel on the Fourth of July. I am glad that I experienced the Wamego fireworks. It is something everyone should see at least once in their life. However, I think once is enough. I do not need to go back.

This Sunday we will continue our sermon series on types of stories in the Bible by exploring Wisdom Stories. Wisdom is an interesting concept in our faith. The Bible likes to describe life as two possible paths. One is the path of wisdom which leads to life, joy, contentment and peace. The other is the path of folly or foolishness. The path of folly often leads to destruction, discontent and adverse consequences. We have the freedom to choose our path. The good news is that we can always take a new path when we discover that we do not like the consequences of the path we are on.

I chose the path to Boomtown once (actually twice, I am a slow learner), but I do not have to take that path again. I have decided it is not wise for me to be overwhelmed by all those exploding lights. I am much happier and content to sit back and watch the Olathe fireworks from a distance. The thing about wisdom is that we all get to choose our own path. You may find great joy watching a massive fireworks display up close and personal. If so, God bless you and may I suggest driving to Boomtown. Like I said, everyone should see it at least once!

See you in worship!
Barry

Each Tuesday Pastor Mitch publishes a devotion on his website Weeklydevotion.com.  If you’d like to receive this in your inbox, drop him an email at   and just say “Sign me up!”