Ministries:
Adult | Teens | Children

Pastor's Pen's:
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Sermon Series:
Following Jesus
Earthly Cross
His Name Is
Apostles Creed
Dealing with Feelings
Jonah
Get Real
Promised Land Living

Grace Church
257 Kendall Street
Burlington, WI 53105

(262) 763-3021

Email:
Pastor Scott Carson

Secretary Patti Hall

PASTOR'S PENS 2006

Grace Church of Burlington April 9, 2006  “We flatter those we scarcely know, We please the fleeting guest, And deal full many a thoughtless blow To those who love us best.” Ella Wheeler Wilcox             When it comes to trying to have a healthy relationship, most of us focus on the big things. With our spouse we’ll try to find the right house or get them the right car. Or, we’ll plan out that super getaway or buy that expensive, one of a kind gift for them. With our kids we take them to Disney World or some other huge, special place. Even with our friends, we think it is the big stuff like some special gift or throwing them a big party or some other nearly grandiose idea.             But it’s not the big stuff that makes for healthy relationships, it’s daily, consistent thoughtfulness. It’s not the super, it’s the simple that is usually the most significant. And it’s the simple, yet consistent kindness that keeps our relationships healthy.             I believe that Jesus was a thoughtful person. When you read the Gospels and see His encounters with various individuals, it’s very apparent that He met them on their terms...He related to them in a way that fit them...not His own agenda. And it usually wasn’t some big act, it was just simple kindness.             I really work at thoughtfulness. To be honest, I’m not a naturally thoughtful person. I’m so glad that kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) because apart from the Spirit’s working in my life, I fear that my life would be a kindness desert. And just when I think that I’m starting to get it together, I’m reminded again how far I have to go.             This past Tuesday, several men got together to remove the carpet from our Amanda Street parsonage. Afterwards, we headed to Culver’s for ice cream...and two of those guys put me to shame.  Both of them got ice cream sundaes to take home to their wives. One of them joked that his wife would smell Culver’s on his breath and so to keep himself out of trouble, he’d better take something home. I was impressed!! So much so that I bought Jane a turtle sundae to go. And she was so pleased! Boy, did I get a lot of bang for my buck. I finally confessed to her that I was shamed into it. I mean, how would it look if other guys were so thoughtful and yet the pastor was an insensitive boor. It wasn’t a picture that I liked.             So how thoughtful are you? Just telling your spouse and kids on a regular basis that you love them is a good place to start. It’s rare for anyone in our family to end a conversation without saying those simple words, “I love you.” Then, do you seek to do what is meaningful to your spouse and kids...not what would be meaningful for you...but what’s meaningful for them? Are you consistent? Is it a habitual part of your life?             How about your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do those that you are close to even know how much you love them and appreciate them? Do you look for ways that you can be a special blessing to them on a regular basis?             Kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit. In our thoughtless, selfish world most of us need some cultivation in this area. Two men reminded me of that this past week...do you need some reminding, too?