Be the Smile and Kind Heart of God

As many of you probably heard already, yesterday evening a dear member of our CFC family, Nettie Penner unexpectedly passed away at the age of 81. This morning as I was reflecting on this news, I was just imagining how she started her Sunday yesterday like many others,  by being at church and singing with her church family, only to end her day by singing with angels above!!   What a thought that just blew my mind and reminded me about the incredible reality of heaven that awaits all of us as believers.

At the time of writing this email, it’s only been about thirty hours since I last saw Nettie in the church foyer.  Greeting her with some cordial small talk, I mentioned how good it was to see her despite the frigid cold temperatures in which she responded with that beautiful smile and kind word of how she was looking forward to the service!

In my sermon yesterday morning,  I ironically was talking about how we need to watch how we speak to each other. That, “…the mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” (Proverbs 10:11)

How many are aware that one of the most valuable things we can ever give to another person is a uplifting word and a joyful demeanor?  Even if I don’t always feel like smiling at the moment, I have discovered that once I force myself to do it, it’s amazing how that “fake” smile can soon become genuine!

Truth is, none of us truly know what other people are going through. That perhaps in their heart, there are emotions of fear and sadness that no one is aware of except the Lord.  And because it may be only God who knows their heart, it would make sense that he would want us as His children, to relay His love towards them.

So when you smile to that difficult person or give a genuine “How are you?", understand that it may not always seem genuine on your part at the time,  but it’s not YOU that you need to be focused on at that moment,  but rather GOD loving them THROUGH you!

Recently, I read a poem that says the following;

God’s love is shown in tender grace,

In every smile, in every embrace.

Through us, His mercy finds its way,

A light to brighten someone's day.

When hearts are heavy, full of care,

His love speaks softly, always there.

Through simple acts, both kind and true,

He loves the world through me and you.”

Nettie’s passing reminded me today to love other as if it could possibly be the last time you see them.  Because the truth is, it possibly could be.  That each day is a gift from the Lord and as the saying goes, “that’s why it’s called the ‘present.’ ”  So, therefore allow your words, your smile, your demeanor be that “present” to those you rub shoulders with. Because you never know how your countenance could be the very thing that makes them trust and believe in the God you serve or not.

Question:  "Do you remember a time when you chose to be kind and good, even though your heart wasn’t in it?   How did that experience make you feel?"

Have a blessed week and we’ll see you Sunday!