Graciousness

-Are you a gracious person? Sure? Ask your spouse or one of your kids - or someone who knows you really well. BE CAREFUL... be gracious!
-What is graciousness when the waiter in training goofed, or the senior citizen serving your table gets your order mixed up... which attitude is more mature? Those who know what they want and settle for nothing other than exceptional service - or those who are understanding? What about checking out at Walmart with feathers ruffled because 3 of the 72 checkout lanes are open. What would be the most mature... birthing a cow when a price check is called for - or responding with kindness?
-Now, most of Christians will acknowledge in pure Sunday School fashion the more mature - but is that enough? Jesus didn't just act mature, he challenged others to do the same. So, is it better to mind our own business when someones screaming at the little old lady over their food order - or take the risk and say something? Perhaps a little redirecting of temper in the Walmart line is in order. Is it risky? Yep. But if we are to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16) we are here to make a difference, not to be wall decorations. The culture says to mind your own business, lest one becomes judgmental and politically incorrect and other junk like that. I wonder how Jesus would fit in the political landscape today?
-Try this on... what if one of us has a wrinkle about someone in the church family? Is it best to just quietly affirm the feelings? Could be - but be careful it's not just a cheap way for someone to spill out poison about a brother or sister - while being too much of a coward to do it the way Jesus did it(Matthew 18).
-It would seem to follow in my mind that the poorest people in the world would be the least thankful, after all they have had to settle for less than others have. And those with more worldly possessions would be the most thankful and gracious... Not so. Regardless of the economy or health care system concerns, we are still the richest nation in the world, and often not very thankful, at all.
-How gracious are we in our homes? Paul didn't leave a lot of wiggle room in Ephesians 5 that husbands and wives are to CHERISH EACH other, and not just on Valentines! Children are to obey and honor their parents - it's a command, not a suggestion (Ephesians 6). Parents are to train their children... not exasperate them. There may not be a passage in Scripture more ignored not only by non-Christians, but by Christian homes.
-We believe with all our hearts that Jesus is our Rock, in whom and only in whom we can truly take refuge and find forgiveness of sins. It is some of the "people stuff" mentioned above that challenges our LOCK ON THE ROCK, we need to reinforce each other in love. "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Eph 5:1-2).
-I strongly encourage every student 3rd-12th grade to get a Rock Climbing Form and join us on the Rock Climb this year.
-Are you a gracious person? Then we need you to BELAY for our kids as they climb. I have come to really not care so much about "talents" per se, as a gracious spirit. If you can be gracious and help our youth be gracious - we want you to help, regardless of age. Pick up a "Rock Climbing Interest Form". All of this stuff can be found in the Caf'e or online.