Operation POLAR EXPRESS - Dragnet Style

It all started late one night when I received a phone call from a desperate child who had her heart set on seeing this movie called "Polar Express". It was being shown only in one theater and at only one time. She waited too long however to approach an intelligent adult that would give her the assistance she needed. This delay is what prompted the phone call I just received. She asked me to get her in to see the movie. She just had to see it and claimed she would cut off her legs to do so. This was a serious situation. Have no fear I said, I promise you, we will get you in to see the movie. "It has to be in 3D!" she demands. Talk about spoiled brats! :) I called my associate, Yellow Goose (for this Mission) and explained the case I had just taken on. We discussed how we would handle the situation and thus our covert operation began.

We located the movie theater and made a phone call. I asked when the movie was showing and if I could purchase two tickets. They tell me the movie will be shown on Saturday morning at 9:00 but they are sold out. The movie was sold out only hours after it was advertised. How can this be, I ask? The manager says it was unexpected. They didn't realize this movie was in such demand. I ask if they will show it again. He tells me it is too late. Their theaters are now booked with other movies. Now I understand the child's dilemma and her desperation - no one really wants to lose their legs for a movie and I can't imagine this being an acceptable payment by a reputable theater. Yellow Goose and I concoct a scheme to get into the movie theater. I tell her I will pick her up at 8:00 sharp on Saturday morning. I gather all the necessary PI gear and head out at 7:45.

When I get to her street I call her cell asking why she isn't out there waiting for me? She runs out to the curb to flag me down. I see her from the other end of the street. She sees me coming and runs back to the house. I pull in the driveway and wait. The horn goes off, I don't know why. . . I didn't do it! :o The neighbors little girl looks out her window and wants to know what is going on. Yellow Goose comes out of the house next door and asks why I am parked in the neighbors driveway.

Good Grief! doesn't she understand "covert operation" :)? We tell the little girl to close her window and go back to bed. Operation Polar Express is under way.

It takes about 30 minutes to get to the theater during which we are in deep conversation over plan A and plan B. Plan A - we go in and attempt to purchase tickets to see the movie. If that doesn't work, we revert to Plan B - flash our PI badges and claim that some little girls legs are going to get cut off if they don't let us in. Let's hope we don't have to resort to that!

Here we are finally, at the theater. As we approach there are several innocent children with their parents going in to see the movie. We get inside and see that all the ticket booths are closed. There is no way to purchase a ticket. We are hesitant but walk up to the usher and say we have no tickets but would like to see the movie. He says he has two extra tickets. He reaches into his pocket and pulls them out. I offer to pay for them but he says there is no charge. We go in and pick out 2 prime seats, make ourselves comfortable and within a few minutes the movie begins. We are amazed at the animation technology, colors, music, characters but mostly the storyline. . . .Believing! We have seen the movie. Our mission "Operation Polar Express" was a success and we are pleased. It wasn't in 3D but we did see it and for free. Oh and our client??? She gets to keep her legs! :)

FAITH!

believing in something that is not tangible.

We all have different gifts but the same God.

We must learn to accept others and appreciate the gifts they possess.

As we get older we often become cynical and lose faith in God and each other.

The gifts of others are often used to open our eyes.

Be Still and listen!

The real story....Danielle wanted to see Polar Express, she called about it the day after she heard that it was going to be shown at the Regal Cinema. They said they were sold out. She sent me an email saying she wanted to see it but they were sold out and I should find a way to get in there. I said okay, we will just show up and say we would like to see it if there are any seats open. We expected to be turned away but the usher gave us two tickets and we went in and saw it on the house. :)

GOD IS GOOD!