Please note that I am writing this column while being held captive by insidious members of our youth group. As the esteemed writer Dave Berry (esteemed because he gets paid to write) would say: "I am not making this up!" Also, humble apologies to the Flamingo Lawn Ornament Preservation Society, commonly referred to as F.L.O.P.S. Please, I beg you… no letters!
It all started when I read this announcement during one of our worship services:
Alas! There is an affliction in our church! At any time… at any hour… at any moment… your yard is in jeopardy of being saturated with ugly, pink flamingos. Think about your usual morning routine; comfortable and relaxed. You calmly go to pick-up the morning paper and there out in your front yard are those bright, plastic, pink flamingos! Oh, the shame! What will the neighbors think?
"But don’t despair! There is hope in the air!" Our youth group has taken on another name. "Flamingo Busters!" Quick as a flash, before you can say, "Help! Get these *%^$#*@% pink flamingo’s out of my yard!" our "flamingo busters" are ready to respond… for a small donation of course. Quickly and efficiently they will remove the tacky and distasteful affliction from your yard.
Better yet, buy our new "no pink flamingo’s in my yard please!" insurance policy and receive a 24 hour watch to protect your property for one full year from these awful destroyers of "good taste." In other words… pay a little now… or pay more later! All proceeds naturally go to charity.
In an effort to keep our congregation duly informed, I read the announcement and said, These pink flamingo threats don’t intimidate me. I refuse to buy insurance or give-in to these cheap theatrical tricks. While speaking, I noticed two people running over to the youth to buy insurance.
The next evening, there was the following email message: "The Pink Flamingo reign of terror has begun!" "Oh no," I screamed and ran outside. There were fifteen pink flamingos in all their glory perched in my front yard. I dialed Flamingo Busters and did the only noble thing a poor preacher could do. I begged them to remove those pink, ugly birds… immediately! They came, tied me up and insisted I write this story so everyone will know about the Pink Flamingo Affliction.
I know what you’re thinking! Larry, what in the world does this have to do with religion, serving God or the church? Maybe more than you think.
Psalm 95 begins: Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us give a joyous shout to the rock of our salvation! Let us come before him with thanksgiving. Let us sing him psalms of praise. For the Lord is a great God… (1-3) Be honest, when was the last time you heard a joyous shout in your home, in your office, at your school or in your church? I pray, not long.
Expressing joy in creative and imaginative ways is part of what God calls us to do. No group expresses joy in more creative ways than our youth. (Remember, I’m still tied up. They forced me to write this.) Recently, the youth led one of our worship services. There was creative dancing, flags, amusing but thought-provoking drama, music and lots of participation. Everyone left the church with a smile on their face and a new appreciation of God’s awesome love.
I learned two things from this story: 1. Creatively, look for joy in serving God. If your home or church seems lacking then look for innovative ways to add your own style of joy. 2. Don’t overlook the contribution of our youth. They can restore the joy in us all.
Oh, one more thing. If the youth offer to sell you "no pink flamingos in my yard, please." Insurance… buy it, immediately… before its too late!