Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…
In the second chapter of our first human story, in the Genesis of human history, as God was bringing this wonderful world into existence, it was clear that there was a problem with creation. “God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone.’” The man created in the image of God, was surrounded with the wonders of nature, pure water in the streams and seas, air untouched by pollution, majestic mountains towering toward heaven, and verdant valleys blooming with wildflowers. It was unspoiled and beautiful; and it was not enough.
“It is not good that the man should be alone.” Recognizing the problem, God began to create an amazing array of animals, birds, and fish of the sea. The man took part in creation, not the engineering or assembly, but God gave the man power to name each of the animals. It was unspoiled and it was beautiful; and it was still not enough. The man took great joy in playing fetch with his dog, and he wondered why the feline that he had named assumed that she was created in the image of God. So many animals, yet none would be a real partner for the man. It was then that God created the woman, and the rest as they say, is history.
I was reading an article last week about our aging population. The geriatric doctor’s thesis was that there are three things that largely determine the quality of our lives as we age. The first is the importance of a healthy diet. Fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and less processed food make for a healthier human body. The second is exercise. We do not need to train to be a Navy Seal, but we should keep moving, walking 30 minutes a day. The final key to aging with grace is socialization.
Humans were created to be in relationship with God, with creation, and with each other. Last Sunday, I noticed with fresh eyes the joyful socialization taking place at TLC. People were sharing stories, laughing, wiping tears from their eyes, and eating cinnamon rolls while sharing the joys and sorrows of island life. When we put ourselves in the path of the Gospel by showing up at church, we are not just nurtured by music, prayers and marginal sermons. We are touched by the human spirit. We interact with people who care and are reminded of our shared journey. Many times in my ministry I have had dear parishioners say, “Pastor this is the only time all week that I am physically touched. Don’t quit hugging us.”
Those who show up on Sunday depend on you to show up, to listen, to care, and to honor others with your time. It is not good that we should be alone. God calls us to be together. God calls us to a ministry of presence. This Sunday when you put on your Trinity tee shirt and drive down Highway 525 to worship, sing and pray, don’t forget to punch the clock for Jesus. Engage in the critical ministry that God has entrusted to you, the ministry of socialization that will allow you and others to age gracefully and experience the abundant life that God desires for you.
I will end with a few inspirational quotes:
“What love we’ve given, we’ll have forever. What love we fail to give, will be lost for all eternity.” – Leo Buscaglia
“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
“It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving, but like morning light it scattered the night and made the day worth living.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald
“One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” – Bryant H. McGill
“The art of conversation lies in listening.” – Malcom Forbes
“Listening is being able to be changed by the other person.” – Alan Alda
“When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.” – Ernest Hemingway
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” – Stephen R. Covey
“Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you’d have preferred to talk.” – Doug Larson
It is not good that we should be alone. One beggar telling another beggar where to find bread, I am your,
Pastor Jim
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