It’s late afternoon, almost evening, and the rush hour traffic outside my neighborhood is building quickly. As the clock heads toward 5:30 p.m. I leave my house ten minutes early to allow for the multiple traffic signals I will have to cycle through in order to pull out in the bumper-to-bumper traffic and I head to church.

A large, empty parking lot awaits – but soon it will fill up as car after car pulls in, finds a parking spot, and discharges a load of happy and high-energy kids with their already-tired parents following behind.

It’s Wednesday night at Christ Community Church, and kid’s AWANA, student MDWK, and adult groups and studies are just minutes away from turning that empty parking lot into a hustling, bustling commotion of parents, students, and kids.

I’m the Parking Team volunteer, and it’s my job to greet everyone with a smile, keep them safe, and move pedestrians and vehicles through a single lane efficiently as possible.

I pull into a parking space far from the entrance, walk in to our equipment closet, and pull down the neon green parking vest. Slipping it on and zipping it up is more than just a routine; it conveys a message: I’m taking on the responsibility as the “first face” everyone will see that evening, and setting the tone for their experience.

Pulling out the traffic wands – one green and one red – I head out to my spot right in front of the main entrance, ready for the evening.

About those traffic wands… When I started the year, I had two red wands, using motions to “stop” cars and people, and then directing them to “go”. About a month into the year, a child stopped me and asked, “Mr. Bob, why are you telling us to ‘go’ with a red light. Doesn’t that mean ‘stop?’”

Busted.

With the wisdom from a child echoing in my head that night, a set of green wands were on their way. The kids delightedly got it right away; it’s the adults I had to watch out for!

I’m retired now, but I spent 43+ years as a leader in Church World, providing direction and energy for churches and their leaders across the country. I still am heavily invested in disciple-making with one-on-one opportunities and leading a community group. Occasionally I dive back into the world of leadership development. I’ve always seen myself as a seed planter, working with people for their growth and the next generation.

But as a parking volunteer, I’m grateful for instant results:

• A smile or word from me is always multiplied and returned 
• Noticing special clothing or items on special nights is sure to bring a wide smile in return
• Greeting the Hurricanes fans among the parents makes us both grin
• Likewise, commiserating with Islander and Rangers fans is fun for both of us
• Learning names as the year moves along is the bonus
• Calling attention to vehicle issues (lights left on, burned out bulbs, etc.) is gratefully acknowledged
• Watching kids come out even more excited than they went in tops the list

Over the year I have learned patterns:

• Certain families come in slow and easy, grateful to have made it
• More families come in fast and hard, grateful to have made it
• Some parents come in multiple cars from different directions
• Some of those parents have to be reminded that they have this child while the spouse has that child
• If my arm was twisted, I would admit to having a few very special kids and their parents, just because

From the late summer heat to the cool fall temps to frigid winter winds to spring delights, the weather may change but the kids and their families are a constant.

I may be just moving people and cars, but I’m really “clearing the path” for the important activities taking place inside the building.

They are going to have a good time, learn about the Bible and each other, and have adults invest in their life no matter what the weather is like outside, or if I am in the driveway.

Knowing that is the best “pay” I could get for this “job” – and I’m looking forward to starting again next fall.