I volunteered this past Friday and Saturday to help chaperone on our high school band trip to Chicago. The kids were well behaved and other than a few PDA's (Public Displays of Affection) we had no issues. As part of the trip, we spent Saturday at Six Flags Great America. Upon entering the park, you must pass through a metal detector. Of course it went off as I passed. I pulled out my money clip, loose change, cell phone, watch (with NEW battery) and my pocket knife. "Sir, you will not be allowed to enter the park with this knife. You will be escorted to the exit to deal with this" said the security officer. I had the option to leave the park, rent a locker ($10 for the day) or return without it. I went back to the bus, left it there and entered with no problems.
Yes, I forgot about my knife and Six Flags has every "right" to not let me in. My pocket knife isn't much bigger than my little finger, contains maybe, MAYBE a blade 3/4" long, with a small pair of scissors, a file and screwdriver blade. Not much of a threat unless you're a hangnail or loose thread. Yet smokers with lighters, the kid with studs and a tackle box attached to his face and baby formula in strollers are allowed. A lighter could cause a fire, the facial jewelry used as a weapon and the baby formula could be spiked with something and dumped who knows where?
9 years ago this wouldn't have been an issue at all. But thanks to Bin Laden and his cohorts, it's now a reality we have to deal with and continually adjust to. One of the many legacies Bin Laden has left us. His actions and choices will affect generations to come. And the last I heard, he was unrepentant, whether alive or dead.
So how's your legacy? What actions or choices have you made? If you're reading this, it's not too late. Our God is the God of second chances. And third, and fourth....well, you get the point. Come to Him, ask Him to forgive you and start a new legacy today. God will take it from there - even if you have a knife in your pocket.
DW
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