Miracle Twin Drive-in and Cherry Bowl Drive-In
- Dr. TJ Klein
- Jul 25
- 3 min read
Focus Scripture
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15–16
Thoughts
There was a time in Flint when summer nights held a kind of magic—and for many of us, that magic lived at the Miracle Twin Drive-In.
Located on Flint’s east side, the Miracle Twin opened in 1972 and quickly became a hub for families, couples, and teenagers looking for laughter, escape, and connection. With two big screens and the comfort of your own car, it was more than just a place to watch movies—it was where life happened.
I remember going with my family when I was young—snacks packed, blankets in the back seat, the car radio tuned just right. Later came the teenage years: late-night laughter, first dates, chasing mischief with friends, and pretending we were too cool to care about what was playing on the screen. The truth is that the movie didn’t matter—the memories did.
What Were We Even Watching? We weren’t watching.
We were just there - distracted, laughing, making memories, and soaking in the moment.
Years later, I found myself on the other side of that experience—taking my own kids to the Cherry Bowl Drive-In near Traverse City, Michigan.
Opened in 1953, the Cherry Bowl is one of the last fully operational drive-ins in Michigan. It’s a nostalgic throwback—complete with vintage speakers, 50s music, a mini golf course, and the smell of popcorn drifting across the lot. It’s a place where time seems to slow down and families gather under the stars just like we used to.
Those nights at the Cherry Bowl brought the same joy I experienced as a kid at the Miracle Twin. My kids would pile into the car, wide-eyed and giddy. We'd laugh, eat too much candy, and settle in for a double feature. And now, just like I do with my own memories of Flint, we still talk about those Cherry Bowl nights.
In many ways, the Miracle Twin Drive-In has never left me—its memories are now woven into the stories I share with my children. What was once my story has become our story. A thread of connection across generations.
What started as a fun, often chaotic experience at a drive-in has taught me a deeper truth: it’s easy to show up, be present, and still miss the bigger picture. Just like we used to ignore the movie while laughing in the parking lot, we can go through life spiritually distracted—engaged in the moment but not focused on eternity.
Scripture reminds us to live “not as unwise but as wise”—to make the most of every opportunity, even the small, ordinary ones.
God gives us moments to connect, reflect, and worship—but we must watch with intention. Not just attend life but live it with eyes open to what matters most.
Life Application
Think about your current rhythm. Are you just “tuned in” like a car radio at the drive-in? Or are you truly paying attention to what God is showing you?
Whether it’s family time, a conversation with a friend, or a quiet evening under the stars—don’t miss the beauty in front of you because of spiritual distraction. Ask God to help you see clearly, to live intentionally, and to pass that vision on to the next generation.
“Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.” – Matthew 13:16
Closing Prayer
Father God, thank You for the gift of memories—of old drive-ins, summer nights, and the laughter of both childhood and fatherhood. Thank You for places like the Miracle Twin and the Cherry Bowl that gave us more than entertainment—they gave us time together.
But even more, thank You for reminding me that this life is more than just showing up.
Help me to be fully present—to see Your hand in every moment. Forgive me for the times I’ve been spiritually distracted. Open my eyes, Lord. Let me live wisely, making the most of every opportunity—especially the ones that don’t seem all that big in the moment.
Let my legacy not be about the movies I watched, but the moments I lived for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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