The Church Picnic

Growing Daily

The Church Picnic

Our annual church picnic is this coming Sunday.  It’s a huge event, kicking off with an outdoor service for close to 2,000 people.  Then there are games, tournaments, plus bounce houses and water slides for the kids. And, of course, lots of great food.

But I'll admit, the food line sometimes has a way of challenging my patience.  It’s hot in the sun.  There are a lot of people.  I’m a fast mover by nature, so I struggle with the pace of a long line. 

Lately, though, I’ve been trying to see these pauses as opportunities. 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “Never stop praying.”  Prayer can happen in everyday moments — even while waiting for a hot dog and potato salad.

Instead of becoming frustrated by the wait, I can pray for the people in front of me.  Pray for the older man moving carefully, the mom balancing plates for her children, or the person whose smile may hide a burden no one else can see. 

Of course, this isn’t just for the church picnic.  Any line can become a place to pray.  That won’t make the line move faster. But prayer shifts our focus from ourselves to others.  It turns inconvenience into intercession and redeems otherwise wasted moments.

The next time you find yourself waiting, consider it an invitation to pray.


- Ron Reid