“Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.”
— Psalm 1:1-3 NRSV
We have reopened our facility for worship. Our classes and small groups are meeting in-person and in “hybrid” gatherings (both online and in-person). In a few weeks our community partners in ministry will begin to meet on campus. And we have already begun to book weddings in our renewed Sanctuary! This last piece means that I will soon be privileged to engage in some pre-marital counseling.
I enjoy getting to talk with people who are about to join their lives together in a covenant with God. While most of what I do is ask questions and encourage them to find their own answers, I do sometimes share some advice. One such tidbit is: “Try to find something good each day to share with your partner. Find some way to compliment or congratulate them. It is best if this is something they feel is important, or something they have been working on. And when you hear that compliment, receive it graciously; hear it and know that you are loved, valued, and appreciated.”
Jesus said, “…seek, and you will find…” (Matthew 7:7) He was talking about our relationship with God, but this advice (and that of the Psalmist) is just as important for our relationships with each other and with the world. We pay attention to discover that for which we are looking, and block out information which doesn’t confirm our pre-decided beliefs. If we want to be upset with someone, we will find something wrong with them. If we look for the good in another, we will find that as well.
And looking for the good is a much happier occupation of our time.
Grace to you, and Peace,
George
God whose grace complements and love perfects us, may these move through us to others. In our words and deeds help us to comfort, encourage, and uplift each other. Fill us with the happy business of finding and celebrating the good in those around us. Do not hid from us that which harms or tears down, but allow creativity and hope to meet in us so that we might, in community, persevere and overcome. All of this we ask in the name of your child, our Savior, Jesus. Amen.