Pastor’s Pen: March 2017

–Giving opens the way for receiving. Florence Scovel Shinn

Our family had a “magical” time at our first trip to Disney World.  Upon first glance and all the thousands of people, I was a bit leery that it would be the “Happiest Place on Earth.”  But for our children, it was magical.  Their responses of joy and amazement were contagious.  Nick and I wanted to capture each shriek of awe and keep it with us forever.

In addition to the experiencing the joy of our children on our trip, we also were amazed by the hospitality shown.  We had heard that there is a reason it is the happiest place on earth, in part because Disney is very proactive about being consumer oriented.  We did not encounter any grumpy or frustrated workers.  Each encounter with characters and workers was very positive.  I found that remarkable given the number of people, the meltdowns of children and stressed parents, the sea of strollers and people moving the wrong direction, food spills and high expectations.  The staff handled everything thrown at them with ease and with a smile on their face.

I think their philosophy put into action changed people.  When ours was the stroller going off course, people moved and smiled, when we moved through the line in the wrong way, people moved to the side and allowed us past, when we tried to meet up with our group, others were accommodating.  People were more positive, more forgiving, more understanding.  Disney raised the bar and so those of us visiting raised the bar as well.  I wonder what our world might look like if we took the philosophy of Disney and initiated hospitality and generosity in all that we did.  Giving might open the way to receiving.

I think of this philosophy in light of the season we are entering into, Lent.  A time historically when we spend intentional time reflecting on our faith and our relationship with God.  During worship we are going to focus on giving ourselves in prayer. We are going to pray in visual ways, giving of ourselves to God.  Opening the way of receiving from God.

So I invite you to give to God through prayer.  Pray by writing notes to folks.  Pray by texting to someone that you are thinking of them.  Pray by making time to catch up with that person that is long overdue.  Pray in your favorite holy space in your home.  Pray at the same time every day for the season of Lent.  Pray by giving thanks, pray for your enemies, pray for forgiveness, pray.

Then wait.  Then take inventory of what you have received.  A blessed Lent,

Pastor Holly

 

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