Smile More

He was smiling from ear to ear.  The journey home from Akron and the UMC Jurisdictional Conference was a two hour layover in Chicago on Saturday night.  The airport was busy, even packed in places.  It was jammed right in front of F4B, the departing gate for the last leg home to Des Moines arriving at 11:30 PM.  Alone in the crowd, I looked around for a friendly face among the people.  Most were anxious, some were quite angry about a Kansas City flight which had boarded and backed away only to find a mechanical problem.  The crew had brought the plane back to the gate and the people were de-boarded. 

Flight crews seem particularly unwilling to visit or be cordial while waiting for new instructions in the midst of a crowded airport.  That must be why he stood out.  He had unusual round glasses, ears that generously held up the spectacles, and a goofy smile that seemed to brighten the crowded hallway.  He was wearing a flight suit of some kind.  Without hesitation, I immediately walked over to the group and said, “Where are you guys flying tonight?”

The fellow with stripes on his sleeve downed the last half of a McDonald’s hamburger and impatiently motioned to the video board of departures.  Not surprised by the expected brush off I remember thinking, “Pilots eat at McDonald’s before they fly across the country?”  Not sure why that seemed funny to me, then a little scary, but it did. 

Undeterred, I turned to the young man with the smile and he began to talk.  First one topic and then another.  He asked me questions and seemed to be really interested in my response.  I quickly found he was the ring leader and everyone was in his conversation pit.  After a few minutes I realized I was in the midst of the flight crew with a discussion about where the new gate for their flight was going to be with all kinds of jokes and wise cracks one might expect.  I thought things like, “How did I get into this circle?  Why was I invited in? Why do these folks feel comfortable with me?”

In that conversation I found the young man with the big smile, which never left his face, was from Council Bluffs where I had served the church for ten years.  We had places and people in common.  I did not know his family directly, but I knew where he grew up and those kinds of things which engage people to one another.  We remarked that it was a small world after all.  He was not a pilot, but a highly regarded flight attendant.  It was easy to see everyone enjoyed flying with him.  And it was his smile that engaged and would not let go. 

As the crew got their new orders we said good bye and they left the area laughing and singing.  I shook my head pondering, “Could it be that easy?  Is a smile all it takes to engage even an unwilling anxious crowd?”  Freedman calls this a non-anxious presence.  I call it grace, and peace, and light all rolled into one.  I think the church needs to smile more.  Where and when do you imagine Jesus smiled? 

Matthew 28:16-20 The Message

^16-17Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.

^18-20Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."

Wayne County Flier

Things Change in March

Things change in March.  Just as the seasons find new direction and purpose in March, so our lives have the capacity and possibility of change every year through the season of Lent.

We find as we mature that change is a constant partner in life.   Attempts to mitigate and minimize change is perhaps or first reaction. However, a time of reflection can be helpful to calm our hearts and help us realize that this new development in our lives, once we are acclimated, may lead us to an even better path.  Lent can be just such a time or season.  Lent, this time of waiting before Easter arrives, mirrors our lives in waiting for Christ to return. Lent offers a perspective, a time to heal, a time consider the past and the future.  Lent is valuable for those who are serious about reflecting the kingdom of God in their daily lives. 

My grandmother Ruth always said March is the month of mud. And so it is, and with Lent as well.  Clear as mud at times, our path forward through the 40 days of Lent can be difficult and tiring.  And yet to stay put, hunkered down in fear of what might happen, is to live devoid of faith and hope.  The greatest of gifts; faith and hope.  They are the wonder-workers of Lent.  Let us gather in faith and look forward with hope, letting go of all fear, knowing Christ Jesus, our goal and partner, will not disappoint, will not leave us orphaned in the cold mud of March.  Things change in March.  John 14.

Ode to My Teacher

My best teacher had it right; Love first, then take attendance.

I saw the girl with holes in the soles of her shoes. So did my teacher.

I saw the boy with a bruised cheek.  So did my teacher.

I saw the bus-driver with the jar of Rolaids. So did my teacher.

I saw the coach with the bloodshot eyes. So did my teacher.

I saw the janitor cleaning toilets, not looking me in the eye.  So did my teacher.

I saw the lunch lady’s rosary clutched in her hand. So did my teacher.

I saw the administrator’s cuffs worn thin on their best suit.  So did my teacher.

I saw my teacher’s best gift for each student; and I am reminded...

Love first, then take attendance.

Holds February

Just halfway through the season of winter, holds February.

Solid as ice, frozen as the frost line 36 inches deep, without compromise or apology February brings its winter mix to bear in four fleeting weeks.  Even as the days linger briefly longer each evening, the sun has also cut a new course inches higher in the daytime sky.  We feel the fullness of the winter landscape, the load of snow under foot, and listen to the cry of the wind following old slicked up routes into depths of our souls.  But surely we do not despair.  God is present, even in the deep winter.

We take a break from moving and lean against the South facing concrete block wall of the garage as we find the sun a warming friend.  The dog would like his ears scratched and we notice the ice is melting and evaporating from the dark wet pavement on the hiway leading back into town. The smell in the air is one of winter snow but is also tinged with a spring like scent.  Yes, we can smell it, as well as see the changes taking place in our world.  We feel the warming, the melting, the frost as it begins to move.  

“Not long now,” the old timer who drops off pig starter from the Coop says about the coming of spring.  “Not long now,” you think as you notice the mud which has found its way onto your chore boots.  “Not long now,” you begin to sing as the sun drops in the Western sky with hues of colors saved only for the sight of Gods and angels.  “Not long now,” you hum as you hang your coveralls in the basement closet.  The smell of soup, fresh bread, and strong coffee overpower your thoughts and you are thankful.

And as quickly as it came, February is gone once again.  It is a month to be experienced, a month of changes, some subtle, others quite profound.  The baby arrives, one season is finding completion as another is beginning, and grandmother says a final farewell. Live well each day of February and find the glory of God in every footstep of the grand parade taking place, right in our own backyard.  Discover again who truly holds February.