Chuck E Cheese Church. Why did we come?

Took my granddaughter, yes granddaughter, to Chuck E. Cheese on Saturday. Wow! That’s all I can say, “Wow!”

OK, I can say more. What a time. I was working in the garage and the door to the house opened. Sophie came out with Sue right behind her. “Do you want to ask Papa something?” “Eat? Pizza?” So of course I answered, “You hungry, baby?” “Yes. Chuck E. Cheese?” So we loaded up to go to Chuck’s. when we got there, I should have known what was coming. The parking lot was slam full. We had to park three doors down and then walk what seemed like 6 miles, seemed like twelve when we came out. We got inside and there were kids EVERYWHERE.

Sophie took off! I tried to keep up, but she’s only 2-1/2 feet tall. She’s running between legs, under tables, around other kids running between legs and under tables. I’m 6′ tall. I didn’t have the speed, agility or motivation she had. When Katie and I caught up to her, Sue was trying to find a table (good luck with that), she was sitting in a car that takes pictures of you beside Chuck. Then it was off to the next ride, then the next, then the next, and so on… I’m already tired and we’ve been here 15 minutes!

I ran into Sue holding four cups a number and a look of worry. “I can’t find a table.” After looking for another 10 minutes, I just happened on a family that was leaving. So I told them I would clear the table and we had a seat! I sat there while Sue went and found Sophie and Katie. Pizza came. Sophie ate one piece. Papa…play! 20 minutes later I was stressed to the max. If one more kid runs over me…

It was time to go. But where are Sue and Katie? Someone’s at my table! Who are you? What have you done with my family? Holy smokes! Where’s Sophie? I’m here in kiddie heaven, parent h—, by myself. Wait, I hear my name being called. There they are at Skeeball. Why is Sophie climbing up the game? Quit running into me! Yes, we are still playing! Is it time to go yet?

Finally out the door and in the car again. Don’t you pull out in front of me! I’m stressed, swearing to every god in the pagan world, “Never Again!” Then comes the voice of reason, you would call her Sue, “Why did we come?” “For Sophie to have fun.” Sophie, did you have fun?” “Yes!!”

You know, I learn so much from these outings. What if we treated church the way I was ’supposed’ to treat Chuck E. Cheese, instead of the way I treated it? We treat church like it’s for us to “have fun” instead of for those who don’t know Christ. What if we leave church and ask the question, “Why did we come?” I think our answer will determine whether or not we had good church.

Peace <><