Our family went to eat at a very special place on Saturday night. I know what you are thinking…dinner by candlelight, extensive menu, and great conversation. The only candlelight was the candles from the birthday parties being held at this famous place. The extensive menu included pizza and a smorgasbord of carbonated beverages. As far as conversation, I didn’t hear Chuck E. Cheese say a thing. You guessed it. Our family went to Chuck E. Cheese for dinner on Saturday. My kids loved it, but as a parent I felt like it was kind of stressful. Why is it that two people can have the same experience but walk away with totally different memories? It is a matter of perspective.

My kids had a great time because they viewed all the opportunities – games, fun, freedom, more games, prizes, junk food, and much more. As a parent I only saw lots of screaming kids, chaos, and other kids cutting in front of my kids in the prize redemption line. I’m not mad. I fear that some people approach church in the same way – two people attend the same worship gathering but walk away with totally different perspectives. One arrived with anticipation for what could happen. The other arrived looking for excuses not to worship. One is a participator. The other is an evaluator and critic. Which are you?