“I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.”  Psalm 63:4

“All the people saw him walking and praising God.”  Acts 3:9

For various reasons, with our myriad needs, we remember certain sermons.  Perhaps it was the delivery … a passionate and inspiring oration, a chapter of Scripture recited word for word, a song sung.  Perhaps we heard words of comfort during grief, reassurance in troubled times, motivation to act against injustice.  Along with all the above, I recall decades ago a pastor said there can be no such thing as a “sourpuss Christian”.

I’m not saying that a Christian will always be laughing and dancing; should not cry; should not have a churning stomach awaiting a diagnosis or a dreaded goodbye.  These are not “sour”.  These are human, love for life and others, love which is itself a gift from God.  Impatience at the grocery store, anger on the freeway, apathy and greed are “sour”, not consistent with our call to demonstrate God’s love and compassion, the joy of living with God’s grace.

Marcus Aurelius wrote: “Very little is needed to make a happy life.  It is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”  Gratitude and generosity, empathy and mercy are Christianity in motion.  Do my demeanor and attitude show the goodness of God’s love? Would someone see me and want to know God? 

“With praise and thanksgiving to you ever living, the tasks of our everyday life we will face …

Then may all the living with praise and thanksgiving give honor to Christ and his name that we bear.”  Amen

Verla Olson

Our faith ever sharing, in love ever caring,

Embracing your children of each tribe and race.

With your feast you feed us; with your light now lead us.

Unite us as one in this life that we share.

 

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