Open Doors 06.26.2026

It seems to be the season!  Soccer season that is.  Soccer mania is sweeping the USA, since we, the USA, are a part of the hosting team for the FIFA World Cup tournament.  Canada and Mexico are also a part of hosting the tournament.  To be honest, I’ve never been a big soccer fan.  It wasn’t a thing when I was in high school or college.  I have gone to a few of the high school games while here in Mitchell.  But again, I’ve never been exposed much to soccer.  But since soccer is the rage right now, I thought I should watch at least one professional game during the FIFA World Cup tournament to see the best of the best play.  

I’ll admit that I don’t know all the rules of soccer, in fact, I know very few of the rules of soccer.  But there are a few that seem obvious; you can’t touch the ball with your hands during play, the primary way of controlling the ball is with your feet, the purpose of the game is to get the ball in your opponent’s goal, a yellow card is bad, and a red card is really bad. My other perception about the game of soccer is that there is a LOT of running.  Even the referees were sweating profusely.

To me it appeared with all the players running around on the field, it seemed like chaos, but those that know the game say it’s an organized chaos.  The offensive players are trying to work the ball toward the goal, and the defensive players are trying to defend their goal and take the ball away.  Now, most soccer games are not high scoring games, so there isn’t necessarily a lot of “shots” being taken toward the goal.  But it appears that both teams are patiently running their plays, doing their thing, and then in the flash of a moment, an opportunity appears, and ball is shot toward the goal.  The goalie might stop it…but other times, the ball sails into the net and a goal is scored.  In fact, I missed seeing one goal in the game I watched.  I looked away for just a moment, and in that moment a goal was scored.

It strikes me that soccer is a game of high energy, high commitment, and also requires a high level of patience as well.  I believe the same is true of life.  To get where you want to go in life, often takes a high level of energy, commitment, but also a lot of patience.  Some of you might think that sounds contradictory.  How can something require high energy, commitment, and also high patience.  Well, soccer teaches us a lot in this area.  

I have found that when I have tried to force something to happen in my life, often it doesn’t go how I had anticipated and the outcome I desired doesn’t materialize.  But if in my effort I also take on a posture of waiting, pausing for a bit to see what develops, quite often it is then that things seem to fall into place.  It may not happen in the way I expect, but in the long run, what I am seeking falls into place but in a way that I couldn’t have orchestrated.  Those, I believe, are Spirit moments, where God is at work, even when we may not realize it.  Or as I’ve heard other preachers or theologians state it, “God will open the door…but I still have to walk through it.” I suppose in the soccer realm they might say, the path suddenly opens…but I still have to kick the ball to score.

As we each make our way through this day, may  we apply the energy and commitment to faithfully serve God as we seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  But may we also have the patience and the wisdom to see when God opens a door.  

So, what are life lessons that some of you find in soccer…or your favorite sport??

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Togetherness 06.19.2026

In the early days of the church there was an important concept promoted, that of doing life together.  It really started with Jesus when he gave the disciples the new command…to love one another.  Jesus went on to say that this is how his people…his followers would be known…by how they love one another.  In other words, the journey of life and the journey of faith were not intended for us to do alone or in complete privacy.  We are to walk the walk of life and faith “with” one another. 

Paul, in the letters that he wrote to the early churches he started, expands upon this theme as well.  In Galatians he writes that we are to “Bear one another’s burdens.”  In Romans he writes that followers of Jesus should “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul writes, “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.”  In this last reference, Paul is using the image of the human body to say there is a oneness even in the midst of the uniqueness of all the various parts.  

This spirit of togetherness is central to the church today. We worship, serve, share fellowship, learn, grow, give, rejoice, grieve, struggle, and celebrate together. Through all the church does, one theme connects us: we are called to live out our faith together. John Wesley valued this deeply, building small groups into the very structure of discipleship and membership for the people called “Methodists.”

If our faith tradition doesn’t speak enough to the need for togetherness, I believe it is basically hard-wired into who we are as human beings.  There is a basic desire, a need even, within humanity to be connected to other people.  We are social creatures.  

Today, Friday June 19, our community has a wonderful opportunity to do something together.  It’s an opportunity for our community to gather together to celebrate together, to cry and grieve together, and even to encourage one another…together.  How we can do this is through the Heart and Sole Cancer Walk that is taking place this evening at Hitchcock Park right here in Mitchell.  Heart and Sole is a local organization that raises and distributes funds to individuals and families who are dealing with the reality of a cancer diagnosis.  Tonight’s walk is about celebrating the successes of treatment, grieving and honoring those who’s life was cut short by cancer, and encouraging and supporting those dealing with cancer in their lives or in a family member’s life right now.  

The good news is that in so many cases, cancer is not as invincible as it once seemed.  Research continues to develop new treatments and discover causes and cures.  But tonight’s walk is about coming together as a community and doing what we can locally to support, encourage, and even to pray for one another. Maybe you feel like you can’t do much to make a difference against the reality of cancer.  But what you can do is come, be a presence, and raise your voice to spread the message – “Cancer is never the final chapter!”  You might even discover that someone you know is dealing with cancer and your smile and hug might be what is needed today.  We can make a difference!!  And often the greatest impact is felt when we do it TOGETHER!

Pastor Keith

Making a Difference 06.12.2026

A week ago I was in Bismarck, North Dakota attending the 2026 Annual Conference of the Dakotas United Methodist Church.  I always look forward to Annual Conference.  It’s a time of inspiration (There’s always some good preaching and teaching.) It’s a time of reconnection. (I get to see pastor friends and lay people from other parts of the Conference.) And it’s also a time of taking care of some business so that we can move forward in ministry for the year to come.  

There were two phrases, for me, that were shared in the “preaching” portion of the Annual Conference activities that stand out for me that I want to share with you.  These two phrases came from our two main preachers, Bishop Lanette Plambeck (our bishop here in the Dakotas) and Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank (bishop of the California-Pacific Conference).  

In her Episcopal, or opening Address, Bishop Lanette challenged all of us United Methodists in the Dakotas, to be a community or a people who “get in the way.” The challenge is to get in the way of fear, get in the way of hopelessness, get in the way of injustice, hatred and the divisions that so readily plague our nation and world.  

As a community of faith or Ecclesia (The word the Apostle Paul uses which is often translated “church”), which literally means “the called-out ones;”  we are called-out to make a difference.  We are called-out of the comfort of our homes and lives to get in the way of the struggles and the evil that threatens to tear down the fabric of that which is good and just in our world.  That is a powerful word and calling for all of us to step into the year to come…to get in the way of that which does harm in our world and community.  

The second phrase came from Bishop Dottie in one of her messages to us.  Pulling from an example from her own childhood, she challenged all of us to be “seed slingers.”   As followers of Jesus, we are called to sling seeds of love, joy, and kindness.  Actually, you could insert any of the Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5 and those would great “fruit” to spread the seeds of…because the world needs more Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.”  Any of those seeds would be worthy of slinging around us as we go through our day.  

I don’t know if it was planned or not but truthfully, these two phrases from two different messages, really tie together beautifully.  Perhaps the work before us is both simple and profound: get in the way of what diminishes life, and sling seeds that help life flourish within people. This week, where might God be calling us to get in the way of fear, discouragement, or division? And what seeds of kindness, hope, grace, or love might we scatter along the way? Small acts often produce a larger harvest than we can imagine.

So, don’t be surprised if in the days and weeks to come, you hear more about these two phrases.  I truly believe that our church is called to get in the way of fear and hopelessness…and that we are to sling seeds of love, hope, grace, etc.  That is a big part of what being the hands and feet of Jesus is all about…and it’s how we live out God’s Kingdom together.  We’ve got work to do church – called out ones!!  And together, we are making a difference one seed at a time.  

Pastor Keith

Hi God ...05.29.2026

Well, it happened again. It's kind of a weird, yet neat, experience when it happens. It doesn't happen all the time but maybe once a year or so.   Yet, whenever it does happen, it brings a smile to my face.  

The other day I was in my office at my desk thinking about Nancy, my wife, and wondering how her day was going.  So, I reached for the phone and picked up the handset (yes, I was using the landline). As I brought the phone to my ear I noticed there was no dial tone, just total quietness.  Finally, I said hello and guess who was on the other end of the line. You guessed it, it was Nancy.  She had just decided to call me, so she had dialed the number but before it had even rung, I picked up the phone and that connection was made between us. 

Now I'm not going to claim any super mystical psychic powers are at work, although I do believe there can be a strong emotional and mental connection that develops between close friends and between husbands and wives.  I also believe there are many untapped “potentials” within our brains or within ourselves that we don't utilize.  

But it is kind of neat knowing and realizing that Nancy and I were thinking about each other at that same moment. In that moment all I had to do was pick up the receiver and there she was…ready to talk to me. 

Well, you know we can each have that kind of relationship and connection with God. It doesn't happen through some mysterious psychic power or connection. It happens through something we call prayer. Actually, with prayer you don't even have to pick up the telephone and dial a number.  You don’t even have to wait for a chance meeting with God by accident.  In prayer all you have to do is turn your heart and thoughts to God and then begin to speak. You don't even have to talk out loud you can speak in your heart or mind… but still the connection is made.   And the truth is, God enjoys that connection and the relationship that grows from those moments.  

Today, as we journey through this day, may we remember to take advantage of this immediate connection that is available to each of us with God. There is no secret number to memorize and no special contortions to go through to get connected.  All you have to do is desire to be touched by the presence of God and then simply speak with God. That’s it!!    The connection is made, the communication with God happens, and the relationship is strengthened. 

So, in the midst of the rush of life, take a moment sometime today to simply say, “Hi God it’s me…” Then tell God what’s going on in your life because God is waiting to hear from you.

Pastor Keith

Fruit of the Spirit 05.22.2026

So, what is your favorite fruit??  I know, it can depend on the season, but generally speaking, what is your favorite fruit.  I’m a peach guy.  I really love a good peach.  But I also like strawberries, bananas, cantaloupe, grapes, raspberries, and so much more.  My everyday go to fruit is that of an apple, a good crisp apple, maybe with a touch of tartness to it.  I also really like pineapple, pears, apricots, oranges and grapefruit – I especially like tart grapefruit.  I like watermelon, kiwi, cherries, etc.  I guess you could say I am a big fan of fruit.  And generally speaking, fruit is healthy and good for you.

Now I know there are some people that have physical conditions in which their system can’t tolerate fruit, thus it isn’t good for them.  But those conditions and people are rather rare.  Generally speaking, fruit is good for us.

Even the Bible speaks of fruit.  Yes, the Bible mentions fruit that was common in Jesus’ day.  But fruit is also described as the product of a lifestyle or a way of living.  In fact, the Apostle Paul talks about the “Fruit of the Spirit.”  These are the positive qualities and life traits that emanate from a person’s life as one who follows Jesus.

In his book “What If Jesus Was Serious” Skye Jethani mentions what he feels is sometimes viewed as a “new” fruit of the Spirit, as defined by our culture today.  He writes that “outrage” seems to be the newest Fruit of the Spirit for our age.  To be noticed, listened to, or taken seriously in our world, Jethani indicates that outrage is almost a requirement.  Social media, news articles, interviews, and even everyday conversations often seem fueled by anger and outrage.  

Honestly, it is easy to understand why outrage seems so “common” in our day.  There is much in our world that troubles us. There are real injustices, real hurts, real concerns, real moral issues, and real problems all around us.  At times, outrage is understandable…even called for.  Yet outrage was never listed by Paul as evidence of the Spirit’s work within the life of a follower of Jesus.  

And just to be clear, Jethani believes that outrage, though popular in our day, is NOT a Fruit of the Spirit.  In fact, he focuses in, as we all should, on Paul’s list that he shares in Galatians 5:22-23: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, & self-control.” NRSV

That list still stands.

The louder and more “outraged” our culture becomes, the more important these qualities become. A world overflowing with outrage does not need more shouting Christians. It needs followers of Jesus whose lives bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It needs Christians who can speak truth without hatred, conviction without cruelty, and disagreement without disregard or contempt.  Outrage may attract attention for a moment, but the fruit of the Spirit has the power to change hearts, heal relationships, and reflect Christ to the broken world around us.  And that is something our world truly needs.  

So, while our culture may try to add a new fruit to the list, I think I’ll stick with Paul’s original basket of fruit.

Pastor Keith

Faithful Living 05.15.2026

“Are you the one, or should we expect another?”  These words came to my mind the other day.  Those words were spoken by John the Baptist, through his messenger sent to Jesus.  John, who was in prison at this time, had heard about the miracles and such that Jesus was doing.   Realizing that his life was probably soon ending, John was likely concerned about the men and women who were following him.  Who should they go to for spiritual advice and direction?  Who should they follow to get closer to God?  So, he sent a messenger to Jesus asking the question. “Are you the one?” Are you the real deal or are you an imposter? Are you just a fraud?

What brought this story from Matthew and Luke’s gospel to mind is that recently we’ve had to deal with a couple of “scam” messages or bills that have come to me.  The bills look real, but I’ve found myself asking, “Are you the real deal…or should we expect something else?”  And upon digging deeper, sure enough, the bills and messages received weren’t genuine, they weren’t trying to be helpful…they simply wanted my money and nothing more.  

One of the things that I find disheartening about our culture today is the amount of energy, time, creativity, and resources that are wasted every day, by people trying to “scam” other people.  I’ve often said, “If only that creativity and energy could be used for good in our world.” What a difference that could make!!

Really though, it isn’t just the telemarketers, the bogus bills, or the “I need your discreet help with an important matter” messages that I receive (from the fake Bishop, no less) on a regular basis.  There are so many things in our world today that are vying for our attention and promising incredible rewards, opportunities, and results in our lives if we just use this, buy that, follow them, “like” us, invest here, etc., etc.  But the truth is, most of them are just a sham and will not deliver on what they promise.

Then there is Jesus!  One of the reasons why I believe Jesus is the “real deal” is because he doesn’t promise that everything will be wonderful in life once we follow him.  There’s no, “Follow me and you’ll lose 30 pounds, or life will suddenly make sense, or relationships will be healed, or problems will all be solved, and everything in life will be hunky dory.”  No, Jesus says there will be struggles, there will be difficulties, there will  be problems to deal with in life.  Jesus said, “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  He promises us rest, he promises to be with us at all times, he promises the Spirit to guide and strengthen us.  He doesn’t promise that everything will suddenly be magically wonderful.  He doesn’t even promise an easy life.  He promises to be with us and to love us…always!

Today on my journey through this day, I am seeking to lean on, rely upon, and follow Jesus.  I know there are frauds and scammers trying to lead me down a different path.  I’m sure there are times I’ll be tempted to follow them.  Sometimes I might even take a step or two in that direction.  But my hope and my prayer is that I will always look for and be drawn to the “light of the world,” Jesus.  Yes, Jesus, the one who loves me and calls me to love others, as challenging as it may be, is the real deal.  Today, and every day, I seek to recommit my life to follow Jesus, the one I believe is the TRUE light of the world!  How about you??  Let’s journey together along the path of faithful living!

Pastor Keith

Mothers: A Blessed Gift 05.08.2026

I don’t know how it happens, but every so often I call someone on my cell phone without meaning to.  That kind of happening is often referred to as a butt dial.  I often carry my cell phone in my back pants pocket when I’m walking somewhere, and somehow buttons get pushed and the call is made.  Now the funny thing is, 90 percent of the time when I make one of these accidental phone calls, it goes to my daughter.  It has happened so regularly that Melissa has learned to ignore the calls that come from “DAD” and just wait a little bit because I usually send a text to her that says, “Sorry…Butt Dial.”  Sometimes a butt dial to her becomes an excuse to just connect for a bit, “How’s your day going?”  “How’s little Ollie doing today?”  We’ll send a couple messages back and forth and then get on with our day.  

Well, about a month or so ago, I heard the unintended ringing of my phone, which tells me I’m sending a butt dial call.  I pulled out my phone as fast as I could, pushed the STOP button, and looked at the screen to see who I was calling.  This time it wasn’t Melissa.  My butt dial was going to my mom!! 

I stood there for just a moment looking at my phone while processing this.  “How can this be…mom’s been gone for over a year,” I thought.  Oh yeah, I haven’t taken her out of my contacts yet.  In fact, I’ve intentionally left her name in my phone as a reminder of her presence in my life.  Then I had the thought…wouldn’t I be surprised if she actually answered!  

Well, the phone rang several times, and then I heard the recorded message, “The number you have dialed is no longer in service.”  Yes, it’s true, that number is no longer in service, but the life, the presence that number represented is still very much in service.  I found myself thinking, “If mom were able to answer, what would I tell her?  What would I ask her?”  It is amazing how life keeps moving along, even in the midst of the reality of loss and death.

Today as we approach Mother’s Day, I’m reminded of the exercise that I often do as a part of Celebration of Life services. I invite the congregation to cup their hands and envision their memories of the person being remembered as something that can be held in one’s hands.  First, I invite people to remember any painful or hurtful memories and to acknowledge them.  Then I tell the people to open their hands, spread their fingers and allow those hurtful memories to slip between their fingers and then be forgotten in the sands of time.  Then I invite the people gathered to make that little bowl with their hands one more time, and this time to envision all the happy, pleasant, good memories that they have with the person being honored, and to hold those memories in one’s hands and acknowledge them.  And this time I invite those gathered to wrap their fingers around those memories and hang on to them…because they are a treasure that no one can take from you.   

As we approach Mother’s Day this year, I recognize that for some of you, like me, your mom is no longer with you in this world.  For others your mother is still alive and present in your life.  For others, your mom might be present in this world but distant from you.  I recognize that relationships with moms/parents can be complicated.  If your mom has died, take a few moments to think of the good and pleasant memories you have of her.  Keep holding on to those.  For others, if your mom is alive, I encourage you to do something to make a memory with her…a good memory to hang on to because the day is coming when… “that number is no longer in service,” meaning she is no longer with you in this world.   

I still smile as I think about butt dialing mom.  Yes, I’m leaving her name and number in my contacts so that maybe I can call her by accident again someday, which will then bring another smile to my face as I remember.  You know, some numbers may no longer be in service in our life but love never really stops calling us back to remember.  This weekend, make some pleasant memories with someone you love.  If it’s with your mom, that’s frosting on the cake!

Pastor Keith

Speak Lord...05.01.2026

I like reading!  I like books!  Just ask Nancy, she’ll verify both those statements. 😊  The only problem is that I am a slow reader.  Nancy can read a 300-page book in just a day or two.  Me…it would take me a week or two to get through the same book.  

About two years ago I was introduced to an app for my cell phone that has been a real gamechanger for me.  One of the staff members at the Mitchell Public Library told me about the Libby app for my cell phone that allows me to download and listen to audio books. I’ve actually listened to audio books or books on CD for many years, but that required me to purchase books, and they can get rather spendy.  So, I purchased books rather sparingly.  However, with the Libby app, as long as I have a valid Mitchell Library Card, I can download books for free.  So far in 2026 I’ve listened to 17 books.  In the past year I’ve listened to 58 books.  When I’m walking the dog, driving to and from work, or Sioux Falls, etc., I’m usually listening to a book.

Now this is usually great…except something I’ve noticed is that it is hard to hear Nancy speaking when I am listening to a book.  You see, sometimes in the morning when I’m getting ready for the day, I’ll have my current book playing.  And the thing is, Nancy can’t hear it because the app is able to connect directly with my hearing aids, so I just listen through them.  How convenient is that?!  Well, it is very convenient, but also not helpful in communicating with my spouse. I realize it is frustrating for her…and also frustrating for me when I am unable to hear what she is trying to say to me.  So, I’ve decided that as long as Nancy and I are home or together, I will not listen to a book.  Otherwise, I am too distracted to hear what she is saying.

Well, that got me thinking about my connection with God.  How often do I wonder why I’m not hearing anything from God?  Is it God’s not speaking…or am I too distracted, too focused on listening to something else so that I don’t have the capacity to hear or receive anything from God!  Ouch, being honest about my answer hurts a little bit because the truth is I tend to fill my days with busyness and noise, thus not having the capacity to hear what God might be trying to say to me.  Or another truth that sometimes keeps me from hearing what God is speaking to me is that of the inner messages that play over and over in my mind.  

You know, we all have some sort of track or tape with a certain message.  It might say something like, “I’m not good enough.” Or “I’m unlovable.” Or “I’m not very smart.” Or “I’m not very good looking.” Or “I weigh too much.” Or “I’m not popular enough.” Or “God could never forgive me.” Or “God could never use me.” It’s those kinds of negative messages that often seem to be stuck on “repeat” in our mind.  But that isn’t the message that Jesus brings to each of us or wants us to hear.  But again, when that is the track playing it’s hard to hear anything else.  

I’m reminded of the story from the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel.  Samuel as a child was dedicated to serve God in the temple but Samuel didn’t know God’s voice.  One night God spoke to Samuel, but Samuel just thought it was Eli the priest calling for him. After Samuel went to Eli and asked what he wanted, Eli realized it was God calling Samuel.  Eli gave Samuel the instructions, “Next time you hear the voice calling you say, ‘Speak Lord, your servant is listening.’” 1 Samuel 3:1-10  

Those are good words of wisdom for all of us who are following Jesus in this “noise filled” culture we live in.  That is my prayer for myself today, and for days to come.  Maybe you can join me in speaking these words too. “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”

Pastor Keith

April Showers...04.24.2026

“April Showers Bring…May Flowers.”  This is a common sentiment spoken this time of year…in April, and it reveals an important truth we understand in our agricultural region. You see, an essential part of the growth process, in plant life, is that of nurturing or watering because planting a seed isn’t enough.  That seed must be watered or nurtured before it will produce it’s “fruit.”

As true as this statement is for our gardens, fields, and such, it is also true in the spiritual realm in life.  Nurturing or watering the seeds of faith is essential for “fruit” to be produced in our lives.  In fact, the apostle Paul briefly touches on this truth in 1 Corinthians, a letter to the church, or Jesus followers, in Corinth.  This was a church that Paul started, so it is a very young church, yet it is already dealing with divisions.  

You see, Paul wasn’t the only person traveling around sharing the Good News of Jesus. There were other traveling evangelists and one of them was named Apollos.  And it appears that Apollos at some point was in Corinth and made an impact.  So, a division in the church came down to who was the better traveling teacher, preacher, and church planter…Paul or Apollos.  Some said Paul and others said Apollos.  

Paul wades into this mess saying that it isn’t about who was the most prominent or important person in starting the local church, rather God is the one who gets the glory.  Paul clarifies things by saying, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3:6  In other words, he is saying planting is important, and watering or nurturing is important.  But the point of it all is for growth to happen and God’s Spirit is what provides the growth.  

So, the question I’d like to ask is this…Who are you nurturing in the faith?  Who are you pouring the love of God into so that they are being “watered” and grow in their faith toward God?  To make it more personal, a second question to consider is this, what seeds are you nurturing in your own life or what seeds are you allowing to be watered in your faith?  

Spiritual growth doesn’t just happen.  It is nurtured, watered, fed, etc. because that is how the “fruit” of God’s love is produced in our lives.  It takes seeds being planted, those seeds being nurtured, and then allowing God’s Spirit to make the fruit evident in our lives.  With God at work in our lives it isn’t just April showers we seek, it is nurturing the seeds of faith all year long. Through it all, what we can know is this…God is growing something beautiful within each of us.  

Pastor Keith

Check My Attitude 04.10.2026

As many of you know, I have my private pilot’s license. Now, I’m not current and haven’t flown in about 20years, but I still have my pilot’s license. I also owned my own airplane for a couple of years. It was the coolest thing to go flying. I have some great memories of being in my airplane and soaring through the sky.

Even though I’m no longer active in aviation, I actually still have two pieces of my airplane that are in my office at the church. What I still have are two instruments from the panel that failed, or broke, during one of my flights. The two instruments are the directional gyro (or basically a compass) and the attitude indicator or artificial horizon. I kept those two instruments because they were a reminder of my airplane and my flying days. But I also hang on to them because they serve as a good reminder of two questions I try to ask myself in my ministry from time to time. Those questions are, “What direction am I moving in?” And the follow up questions is, “Is that the direction I want to be going?” The other question I try to ask myself occasionally, that relates to the other instrument, is “What is my attitude?”

In an airplane, the term “attitude” speaks to the position of the nose of the airplane in relation to the horizon. If the nose of the airplane is always high or above the horizon, there will eventually be problems. If the nose of the airplane is always low or below the horizon, again, there will eventually be problems. Or if the nose of the airplane is not aiming toward the destination you wish to arrive at, there will be problems. So, the proper attitude of the airplane is very important for a successful flight.

Recently I was reminded of a saying that I first heard a couple years ago that I found to be very powerful. I was watching a video clip on Facebook of a contestant on America’s Got Talent. The person auditioning was a singer who went by the name of “Nightbird.” During the judge’s talking with Nightbird before her audition, she revealed that she was dealing with cancer and it was serious, but it was her dream to audition, so there she was, positive, upbeat, confident, seemingly not overwhelmed by a life-threatening disease.

One of the judges commented on the difficulties she was dealing with in life and yet how her glowing countenance and positive spirit so clearly shone through. What Nightbird said next grabbed my attention and has become a truth I remind myself of regularly. She said, “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard any more to decide you’re going to be happy.” OK, stop…go back and reread that last sentence, but this time read it slowly and let the words sink in.

I don’t know about you, but that statement is so powerful and full of so much wisdom. Happiness is not about circumstance; happiness is really a choice that we make. It is a decision about our attitude and the direction we choose to take in life. I have seen people who live in luxury and have all the appearances of success…and yet they are miserable. And I have seen people who live in poverty, who have nothing, and are absolutely joy- filled in life. Happiness isn’t about circumstance. Happiness is a decision!

Unfortunately, within a year of her America’s Got Talent audition, Nightbird died due to the aggressive cancer within her. Cancer ended her physical life, but it didn’t touch her spirit or decide her outcome in life. And the work that Nightbird started through a foundation, her music, and videos continues. Life was hard for her in so many ways…but she still chose happiness!

I don’t know what each of you reading this reflection is dealing with in life. I’m not suggesting you disregard the struggles or difficulties you are facing in life or pretend they don’t exist. Not at all. But I do believe attitude is everything. So, take a quick peek at the attitude indicator in your life. What is your attitude? What is your direction? Is it taking you in the direction you want your life to go? Today, remember that Jesus is always with you and offers to help carry the burden we each carry. That is also what a church family is for.And remember the words that Nightbird spoke, “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard any more to decide you’re going to be happy.” Part of the joy and happiness that we can experience as followers of Jesus is knowing that Jesus is with us…always!

Pastor Keith