Movie going was a major taboo in the world that I grew up in.  I was sixteen and already driving myself around when I made my first trip to the theater.  Even now it is a rarity for me to go out to watch a movie; I prefer to wait awhile until the movie that I want to see is available for purchase on DVD.  It is much cheaper that way, and if I go to sleep before the movie is finished—which I am quite prone to do—I can return to it at the time of my choosing without having to buy another ticket.

I received an invitation this week to attend a movie, and even though I had many other things that I needed to spend my time on, having quality time with my youngest granddaughter would be a worthwhile investment. 

I was not quite sure what I was getting myself in to when Addy asked me to go with her and two busloads of other first graders to watch The Boss Baby, but I consented anyway. 

Addy’s mother was out of town for job training and everyone else that she would consider going with her had other obligations, so that left only Papa.  Even though I might have been chosen as a last resort, it was hard to turn her down so I promised I would go with her if at all possible.

I was impressed with the teachers as they carefully and attentively watched over the children, continually counting to make sure none of their little ones were missing.  And the kids were well behaved, too—not quiet, but well behaved.

As for the movie, if it had a solid point I missed it.  But as long as the children liked it, that was all that mattered.

To my great delight, the movie finally ended—it appeared that I had survived with my sanity after all.  Addy was happy that I signed her out instead of sending her back to school; having Papa’s undivided attention was much more attractive to her than returning to the classroom. She remained close by my side as we purchased a few things for the church. 

To add to the joy of the day, we wheeled in at a popular fast food restaurant for a quick carry out meal. 

As she told me what to order I thought I was being thorough when I asked if she wanted cheese on her burger, but I later realized I should have asked a few more questions. 

We got our food and headed on toward home.  Feeling good about my childcare skills I expected that I had made a little girl really happy, but her words to me as we merged into traffic were much less than words of gratitude as she said:  “They gave me the wrong hamburger.”  Wondering what “wrong hamburger” she had, she then gave me the rundown on what was wrong:  “they put ketchup, mustard, and onions on it!”  Wow—it never crossed my mind that I was supposed to ask about every minute detail before placing the order!  I guess the movie we watched was appropriate for the situation: The Boss Baby.  Thankfully Addy was a gracious little lady—she was pleased with the rest of the contents in the bag so all turned out well after all.

Sometimes even our most sincere efforts do not turn out just like we planned, but we can keep our heads up anyway when we know we have given it our best.  The words of Ephesians 6:7 offer encouragement as we continue to strive to do good:  “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men”  (New International Version).

Rest assured that Papa’s trip to the movie theater will be long remembered!