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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
December 2001 |
Mini homily:
Keep smiling
By Thomas Rough
It was his smile that I noticed first. His smile was genuine and full of wonder. His expression conveyed a heart-felt joy.
Only later did the rest of his features and his clothes catch my gaze.
He was about my age, give or take a few years. He was alone, although the sidewalk was crowded with Christmas shoppers. He was wearing faded gray clothes. The gray was not the stylish gray of recent years; the faded gray that occurs when green or blue clothes have been laundered too many times. Probably all of his worldly belongings were contained in the bag tossed over his shoulder. As I looked closer, it became apparent that the man was mentally challenged.
What was this man's story, his personal history? What was the extent of his education? Had his family rejected him? Did he have anyone in this world who cared about him? How could he earn a living? Did he have a place to sleep at night?
A deep sadness overwhelmed me. At first, the sadness was for this smiling, man who appeared to have nothing in the world.
My sadness became more intense when I realized that he was the only person around who appeared to be smiling. It was only a few days until Christmas, the season of joy. Yet very little joy was evident in the dozens of people passing by this man. Many of the people were rushed, angry and often rude.
Then I wondered; do I smile as I journey through life? Do I appear to have the joy of Christ in my face? What do people see when they see my face?"
Most of us have so much more than this stranger will ever possess. But have the cares of this world choked out of us the joy of living? Do we start the new day with dread and anxiety? Do we go to sleep with fear and loneliness? Do our faces reflect the smile of Jesus in our hearts?
It seems to me that our church's purpose ought to be first and foremost, a joyous family of God sharing the love of Christ with the community in which we live. It also seems to me that the most effective evangelism is grounded in the happy lives of those who make up our congregations. Keep smiling friend. And may God bless you!
The Rev. Thomas Rough is the superintendent of the Calumet District.
Last updated on 01/14/2004