A visit to the local High School

What's going on in the world?
This morning I went to the local High School, one of the joys of being a Band Dad, to drop off papers and such from last nights uniform fitting session. I totally appreciate the security, having to be buzzed in and give my name and so forth, I want the people to feel safe. I believe that having places in which we feel safe is one of those rights we all should have. I believe it is a sad comment and a disgrace to all humans that such security is needed for our schools. What are we teaching our youth about other people when we have to have such security in public places. I KNOW what we are teaching them and I DON'T LIKE IT! We are teaching them that people can not be trusted.
It was evident as I interacted with people as I waited for a teacher to come to the office to receive the papers. Yes, she had to come to me, I could not go to her. I knew one of the people in the office, visible to me through the window I was at. I said my hello's to her while the receptionist was busy on the phone; then I had to go through the whole who I was and what I was there for thing. She called the music department and I waited.
Several youth came to the office while I waited and I soon found myself very much in their way. I made a comment about being good at being in the way. Not ONE of those youth had a comment back! It was as if my very speaking was unwanted or at least not welcome. Perhaps they did not know that in the culture I was brought up in when someone makes such a remark it is an open door for conversation or a light ribbing of some sort. I even said good morning to two adults that came and gave me the once over as I waited, they did not reply. I felt like I was not to be trusted because I was an outsider. Yet, I was not a stranger I know many youth and adults who are in that building.
When my business was done I had to sign out, even though I had not moved from the sight of the office. The receptionist did say to me that she was sorry about the the formality of my visit. I told her that I understood and appreciated the security, after all my daughter will be in that building next year. I want her home each night and I don't want to be concerned about her safety while she is at school.
I hope and pray that our churches will never be forced to go to the levels of security that so many other public offices have had to go to. We need the all boats welcome, you are loved, valued and wanted message of the gospel. The soul of our society is sick and in need of healing. May the followers of Christ never forget that they are in this world but not of this world.