Calling All superheroes

     Confession time:  I have never been all that interested in superheroes.  Sure, I saw the original Superman movies with Christopher Reeves.  What female teenager wouldn't want to imagine herself playing Lois Lane opposite him?  To be rescued before going over Niagara Falls by the one and only Superman??  A teenage girl could dream.
      When "Guardians of the Galaxy" came out, my husband and I went to see it.  Then the second one.  Both of these movies were like dipping toes into the water -- slowly and gently.  
      Then "Captain America" came out, followed closely by "The Avengers: Endgame".  Captain America intrigued me because she was portrayed as female.  Aside from Wonder Woman, this was a first for me.  I was disappointed she didn't have more of a role in The Avengers, but that's neither here nor there.  The Avengers had life lessons throughout the movie as well.  
        Last week, Zion held Vacation Bible School with St. John's, Maytown, and St. John's, Marietta.  Each night had a different theme of what God's Superheroes do.  These themes were based off God's activity throughout the Bible.  Include others, Care for others, Be Fair to others, Forgive others, and Be Generous were the themes throughout the week.
          As the week continued, there were other themes -- and other lessons discovered.  These lessons included but are not limited to being flexible, patient, keeping a sense of humor, listening to one another, and helping one another.    
           At the end of the week, local first responders were invited for the children to be able to thank them.  Individual snack packs were collected which will be shared with various first responders as a way of saying thank you for their service.  Northwest Emergency Services graciously sent two ambulances for the last night.  Children enjoyed being able to see the inside of an ambulance up close and personal.  The crew had fun interacting with the children and adults.  To first responders everywhere, a big THANK YOU for your time, your help, your presence of making our communities safer!!
          We often think of superheroes as wearing capes, leaping tall buildings, or helping someone out of a dangerous building.  We think of superheroes as being compassionate to all, even when their enemies aren't being nice.  We think of superheroes as making the world a better place.  And, sometimes, we think we have to be a superhero ourselves.
          But here's the beauty of this:  We don't have to be a superhero and save the entire world.  That has already been done.   What we can do as a superhero, is be kind, compassionate, inclusive, forgiving, generous, loving, caring to the strangers we meet, to our friends, and to the world.  To the world, we may be one person.  To the one person in need, we may be the world.
             Go, into the world, being a superhero, and sharing God's love with others!