August 28, 2012

August 28, 2012

Beloved:

     I had a doctor’s appointment last week.  Walking across the parking lot, I was fretting about it when I heard something.  Exiting the building, holding hands and swinging their arms were a 60-something mentally handicapped woman and her helper, belting out “Keep on the Sunny Side of Life” at the top of their lungs.   The sound was holy perfection and it carried my worry away.   
    In the week since, I’ve tried to keep that memory fresh, imagining the two of them sharing their repertoire all over town, singing for anyone with ears to hear, as Jesus said.  Too often, the soundtrack of my days is complaining; perfectly pitched and joyless.   That isn’t the minister I want to be.  That isn’t the human being I want to be.
    I want to be like that woman, joining hands with whoever I find beside me, singing - loudly - the best June Carter Cash song I know.  I want to be like her helper, walking alongside joyful people, singing with them, loudly.  
    ~ peace and prayers, pastor annette