Gleanings…

Do you ever get tired of hearing someone express appreciation for something that you’ve done?  What about for those times when you didn’t think anyone saw you or noticed what you did?  I stand before you every Sunday and say “Thank you” because if there is one thing that keeps us invested in the mission and ministry of our congregation, it is hearing that our efforts made a difference.  Let me say it again.  “Thank you” for all that you do to share the love of God with others.  You may find this hard to believe, but someone is always watching what we do, especially when we don’t think that anyone will see it or that it will make any difference.

Thinking about the impact of this two-word phrase made me think of other two-word phrases that make a difference in people’s lives.  Here are a few that come to mind: I’m sorry; help me; forgive me; I’m here; it’s okay; try again; good job; let’s eat! (one of my favorites); and I love you (okay, so that is really three words, but they are so powerful).  So much of our ability to get along with others comes through the thoughtful and sincere use of these phrases repeatedly.  Used appropriately, they enable us to learn from our mistakes and smooth the way so that we can continue to move forward.   Have you ever wondered whether using these little phrases makes that much difference?  Try not saying them for a while.  Let me know how that works for you.

The message of the Bible is fairly straightforward.  If we want to have peaceful spirits, live with joy, eliminate strife and discord in our relationships, and help others to have these gifts, too, we must choose to live this way.  Kindness, compassion, consideration, mercy, and love do not just happen without someone taking the first step of making them the mark of how they live.  Jesus summed it up nicely when he said that the greatest commandment is to love God with all of your heart, mind, and spirit, and to love your neighbor as you love yourself.  Though they appear to be two commandments, they are truly one because one is not possible without the other.

By now you may be wondering where this is going, and the answer is very simple.  I have noticed, as have others, the qualities of caring and compassion listed above in your lives.  You are making a difference in our communities in a powerful way.  Thank you.  Keep it up.  The only way this world will be made any better is if we will do the hard work of being the presence of Christ to everyone in and beyond our congregations.  Practicing the presence of God living through us invites others to live that way, too, and in no other way will this world be made any better.

So, be strong, be courageous, be steadfast in your faith, and let all that you do be done in love.  Remember, God’s got you; you cannot fail.

See you Sunday if not before,

Pastor Braxton ><>