Downtown Mitchell First UMC
310 North Rowley, Mitchell, SD 57301
Rev. Keith Nelson, Pastor
keith@downtownfirstumc.com
Yesterday I did something rather fun. Nepstad’s Floral is running a special that if you bring in 2 non-perishable food items, along with $10, you can get a dozen roses! In a previous community where I lived and served, I remember the local florist ran the same kind of special, and it was so much fun surprising people by handing them a rose. So, I decided to do it again.
I got several nonperishable food items, drove to Nepstad’s and with money in hand I bought a dozen roses. I proceeded to my church office and gave each of the staff that were present a rose. Then I headed off to Nancy’s office to repeat handing out a rose. Of course, the first question is, “What is this for?” My answer is usually something like… “Just because.” I usually do go on to explain about the special deal and just wanting to do something to make people smile and spread a little kindness. After all, I don’t need people thinking I’m being creepy or inappropriate – a pastor in town handing out roses.
But really, if a person can do something nice and bring a touch of joy to another person for less than $1 a person, doesn’t that seem like a great idea or at least something worth doing…for a few people. Our world is in need of more smiles and more joy!!
I’m reminded of one of the proverbs in the Bible, found in the book of Proverbs. Remember, proverbs aren’t promises, meaning if you do X then Y will follow. No, proverbs are truths that are most likely to happen. Meaning, if you do X then Y is likely to happen…but not necessarily always. Anyway, in Proverbs 16:24 it says, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” NIV
Now I realize that a rose or a flower is not the same as words, referring to the verse I just mentioned, or are they? Most often when a flower is given, there is also a message that is communicated; a message of love, or care, or friendship. Maybe it is saying, “I’m thinking of you.” Or maybe even a message of respect. But a flower can communicate many different things with or without any actual words being spoken. So, maybe a flower given can be like honey for the soul too, even without a word being spoken.
I applaud Nepstad’s, and any other business that promotes kindness and graciousness to one another. It makes me think of our church theme for the current school year; GOAL – Go Out And Love! In fact, our Sunday School children are playing “Kindness” Bingo. I challenge all of us adults to play Kindness Bingo too. Listen to the proverb, listen to our faith tradition, listen to your own soul. You don’t have to hand out flowers; you can simply share a smile. Share a word of encouragement. Greet someone in a caring manner that maybe seems like they are having a rough day. Pay for someone’s beverage behind you as you go through the drive- through of your favorite coffee shop. There are all sorts of ways to extend a “gracious word” to those you meet today. And chances are, someone you meet today is in need of honey for their soul and healing that goes clear to the bone. A gracious word is truly needed in so many people’s lives. Let’s be honey to the world.
Pastor Keith