Oh the lessons we can learn from children! They are born to be mighty philosophers, I think. The work that every little child does to figure out the great intricacies of our world would rival that of Plato and Aristotle. They seem innately capable of discerning great problems like the difference of good and evil, leader and follower, and sweet and sour. Why? Because they do not think with only their developing brains! That’s why! They think with their feet and their hands and their eyes and their mouths. They think with a desire to know more intimately than any of us as adults are comfortable with. As a parent I can attest that this is both the most beautiful thing and the most disgusting thing, all wrapped into one.
We must learn from children none-the-less. What is it that we are learning now? In this current season it is generosity. So let us learn like the children learn.
To see something is to experience it from a distance. To see generosity is to witness the smiles of those who have received greatly from another. What joy it brings us to see the child who receives a gift, an ill person receive care and healing, an orphan receive a family, or even a dog receive a giant bone! And yet we can get closer.
To hear something is to get closer. To hear generosity is much like seeing, except this time we allow the sounds of generosity to shake us from the inside. Maybe generosity is overwhelming and the recipient cries aloud. Those sounds reverberate within us and likely even move us to emotions all our own. And yet, we can get closer.
To touch something is to get very close. To touch generosity is to put yourself well within arms reach of another person. If generosity is moving between you and another person in either direction you are vulnerable to however it is received. We may be embraced by the other, or pushed away at our attempt. And yet, we can get closer.
To smell something is much more intimate. To smell generosity is to take it into yourself in some way. With the same breath that fills your lungs and gives life, generosity becomes more a part of you from the inside. Getting this close to generosity means absorbing its essence, and as scholars agree, attaching it deeply to your memories. And yet, we can get closer.
To taste something is perhaps the most intimate of physical experiences. At this point you probably think I’m crazy. And that’s okay. But I bet you’ve tasted generosity. Do you remember the taste of bread and wine from a recent Sunday? That, dear friend, is the taste of the finest generosity in all creation.
Friends, in this season you are invited to experience generosity as a child. Either in giving or receiving, let generosity abound.
-Pastor Stephan
INCLEMENT WEATHER
In case of inclement weather, the church office will follow the delays and closures of the City of Burlington.
For worship services, any cancellations will be publicized on Facebook, our website, and FOX8.