| PASTOR'S WEEKLY DEVOTION I had gone back in time. My best buddy from seminary and I took our kids to an old time amusement park. It was right on the bay in northern Wisconsin so the wind was chilly though the sun was warm. Each ride only cost .25 to .50 cents. Hard to believe I know! And they were good rides: ferris wheel, scrambler, bumper cars, giant slide, high flying swings and more. Even the cotton candy and popcornwere inexpensive. We spent the afternoon riding with our kids and also watching our kids have a great time laughing, eating, playing and pulling as much out of the day as possible. It was the kind of day that you didn't want to end. It was refreshing and renewing simply because of the lack of agenda and the embracing of spontaneity. There was no agenda but enjoyment. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:4 to "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice!" As Christians, I think it has become to easy to miss this. We tend to feel guilty if our task of the day does not have some great purpose or if it does not involve work and sweat. Don't get me wrong, a good work ethic is important but it is not the end all. We need to take time to enjoy what God has given us; famil y, sunshine, friendships, shared moments and long walks. Our agenda should not rule or ruin our ability for rejoicing. We are to rejoice always in whatever we are doing. I bought a sweatshirt that toots the name of the place: Bay Beach Amusement Park. Each time I put it on it reminds me of the really great day I experienced with a friend and our kids. It also reminds me not to make it an isolated event. I plan to do it again. I also plan to start rejoicing more where ever I am for whatever reason. Today, spend some time rejoicing. Allow yourself to enjoy all that is around you. God does not want you to miss it. Sharing in Faith,
Rev. Craig W. Duke | 
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