11-09-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 9, 2024
Last night, I joined some folks to celebrate a friend’s 50th birthday. We gathered at a dueling piano bar, and I will confess to having a really good time. So many of the songs they sang were from the 70’s and 80’s, so I knew most of the words. There were people of all ages, and because the alcohol was flowing (I did not partake), people were into it. At one point, one of the musicians (and they were very talented) was singing a song where he wanted the audience to join him on the chorus and to do it loudly. After one attempt that was not too stellar, he said, “That sounded like you were singing in church. Let’s try it again, and this time, sing like you’re having fun.” The impression was that if you went to church, you would not have fun. Now the fun I had last night might be described a bit differently than I might describe the fun I have at church, but I’m one that has fun being in the community of faith. Yes, we talk about very serious stuff, but there are times of great joy, exuberance, and even some good silliness. In Romans 8, Paul wrote, “God uses all things in our lives to conform us to the image of Jesus…” In reading those words, most people would not think of things like fun, silliness, and laughter, but I would suggest otherwise. Scripture tells us that Jesus was fully human, and so I can only assume that he had fun, there were moments of silliness, and he laughed. That is all part of being not only human, but I believe it is part of being a healthy human being. 

Thank you, O God of Life, for the fullness of life, including when I can let go a little, relax a bit more, and just enjoy the moment that is before me. Amen.