Amusement Parks and God's Kingdom

This week I had an opportunity to go to a park with my family and some friends.  This park had a portion set aside for an amusement park with rides. I always enjoy these kinds of rides.  This park, however, had some rules limiting rides disabled people could ride.  It was rather embarrassing and disappointing for me.  I know it made my parents angry. It was a form of discrimination.  While I felt frustrated and hurt by this, I determined to rise above this episode and enjoy myself.  As I thought about it I realized those park officials were imprisoned by their prejudice and narrow thinking.  I could choose to join them, or I could choose to be free and enjoy myself as God made me.  I did enjoy my day.  I chose act as an adult who was responsible and dignified all day, no matter what those park officials thought.  I am glad that God does not exclude us on the basis of our abilities or lack thereof.  When I accept God’s gift of salvation, I am not given partial participation rights because of my inabilities.  I can participate fully in God’s blessing.  The only limit I have is my own willingness to fully partake of what God so freely gives me.  Hmm….. Maybe I should choose to act as a responsible, dignified adult in God’s kingdom.