This is a noisy place to live

The parsonage is across the street from McCosh Park. It is great having a wonderful piece of nature right next door.

However, the other side of this is that we have to deal with all the people who visit the park.

On Saturdays, from May to October, there is the Farmers Market. There are many people who park their cars in the lot across the street and then move to the booths. When this happens, all that activity causes noise that carries all the way over to the house.

The water park has lots of children splashing in the water and slipping down the slides. You can hear that from our yard.

Then there are the concerts at the amphitheater. I have my favorite music genres. If certain others are represented, I have to admit, it may be rough on the ears.

What about the enthusiastic volleyball players? They are a chatty bunch and celebrate each point. I used to love to play volleyball when I was in college, but my body is too old to do so now. Was I ever that noisy when I played?

If you want to talk about noise, you can’t beat the annual fireworks display on the Fourth of July. Those patriotic blasts can shake and rattle windows.

Lions Field is also a stone’s throw from the front porch. We have become accustomed to hearing the National Anthem often. Also, after hearing a few seasons of football from over there, I believe I can do a fairly good imitation of “Touchdown, Chiefs!”

Spring Fest is always interesting. I am thankful that the carnival shuts down at 10 p.m. Those rides, and the screaming that goes along with them, fill the air. The Moonlight Parade adds to the decibels.

So, it turns out, we live in a noisy neighborhood.

Actually, when it comes right down to it, I really don’t mind the noise.

Psalm 150: verses 3-6 reads “Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”

So, actually, what is important in life may require making a lot of noise. I’m good with that.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for more than 25 years.