If all our unique personalities could be blended into one person, what kind of person would you see? I would appear quite casual, yet clearly interested in following Jesus’ way while avoiding the potholes of the American Way.

I’m not sure why, but I’m more comfortable doing acts of love than talking about my faith: seen more often than heard. Maybe I need to preach what I practice.

While I’m clear that the way to quality living is to follow Jesus, I know I can’t do this life on my own. I need a power greater than myself, so I trust Jesus to be with me in everything; and besides, I need people to demonstrate what Jesus would do if he were in my shoes. To tell you the truth, I feel like I’m always in kindergarten when it comes to relating with God, living God’s ways and praying. In fact, you might hear me say that there is more to God that I don’t know than what I do know. God is quite a wonderful mystery! So much part of our lives, and yet so much beyond us! Did I say something about kindergarten?

I know God deeply enjoys me and wants the best for me. As a result I have experienced healing of wounds, forgiveness from God and other people, and when life gets dark there is this gift of caring support from real people. A little kid once said, “God sure must enjoy people, because God made so many of them.” I enjoy the people God enjoys so I try to treat people with respect, share what God gives me, practice forgiveness, pursue peacemaking instead of violence, and stand for justice on behalf of those knocked down. I laugh with people and get teary-eyed, too.

It seems like about every seven days I need to refocus on what’s important. If you want to focus on what’s important, join me just north of downtown in our rented place at the Hope Elementary School.