Jonathots Daily Blog
(2713)
Yesterday I had the chance to share at a Lutheran church in Cross Plains, Wisconsin.
Lutherans believe in grace. I have to admit, I do favor that particular favoring. Grace seems to be a cool drink of water on a hot day.
But I must tell you, I do think grace requires a bit of confirmation.
Just as kind is bolstered by a bit of kindness, and love is greatly enhanced by loving, grace waits patiently for the arrival of gracious.
Yes, those who have been bestowed grace are given the opportunity of being gracious. It is an opportunity that certainly should be embraced as an expectation. And what is gracious?
Gracious is when we wink our eye at our brothers and sisters and laughingly say, “You think you’re bad? You should know me!”
- It’s endearing.
- It’s humble.
- It’s human.
- It’s funny.
- It’s relaxed.
- And it is the definition, in human form, of good cheer.
I looked for the presence of gracious in my Cross Plains hosts.
Wow. They did good.
They welcomed us. They listened, They were helpful. They shared their own hearts without fear. And most importantly, rather than standing at a distance in piety, they learned.
It was amazing.
So what is my contribution to this lovely group of people I met in Cross Plains? Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you’re either too young or too old.
The church is losing its power by eliminating the youth, and assuming that those who have reached retirement are incapable of transformation. If you’re going to stunt the growth of a congregation by thinking people are too young or too old, you’ll put your faith in those in the middle, who are completely encompassed with raising children and having their mortgage growl at them every month. These are not the people to lead your church–these are the folks who desperately need the ministry of the church.
But getting your younger members to be excited about church again, and your older folks to put their work boots back on instead of setting them in the corner, is what will transform all churches–including the Lutheran souls in Cross Plains–into a force of gracious effort.
I so enjoyed all the people I met.
I was greeted with warm handshakes, smiles, tears, hugs and one dear lady even kissed me.
But good Lutherans that you are, please remember, grace is much easier to understand when it is acted out by those who are gracious.
And it will be the young who will see visions ,,, and your older folks who will hatch new dreams.
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