Sophie said “Good Morning” to me in the most unusual way this morning. Sophie is our 5-year-old Golden Retriever, who lovingly greets me every morning, did so in the most unique way this morning. Usually, she waits for me to finish my workout in the basement, and then when I come up stairs she wanders over and sticks her damp nose in my lap, or she puts a paw on my leg, or she just comes and stands by me and stares at me. Those are her more usual ways of starting the day and greeting me. But like I said, today was different.

Sophie actually came downstairs to where I was running on the treadmill. She rarely goes to the lower level of our home, and if she does, she certainly doesn’t stay very long. But this morning she came downstairs, found a comfortable spot on the carpeted floor, she laid down, curled up, and watched me.

Once I was done with my run, Sophie’s tail started wagging as best it could as she lay on the floor. So, I went over to give her a little attention. As I reached out to pet her, she rolled over on her side and then rolled clear over on her back. Of course, this is the universal sign for “Please, please, please…rub my tummy!!!” Which I immediately did.

Now, dog or “golden” experts will tell you that rolling over on her back is also a sign of submission. It’s doggie language for, “I submit to your authority in my life” or I surrender to your authority.” And if you peel back another layer or two of meaning, the experts again say that our golden rolling on her back is also a way of saying, “I trust you!” “I’m being really vulnerable right now. I’m exposing my tender underside to you. I trust you to care for me!” So, I rubbed her tummy, spoke some words of affirmation to her, and thanked her for trusting me. And our day moved forward.

Later in the morning as I was thinking about that unique, yet special way Sophie greeted me, the thought popped into my mind… “How did I greet God today?” Yes, I took a few minutes to pray this morning. I spent some time reading in the Gospel of Matthew. I listened to a great sermon while I ran my morning miles. I suppose all of this is acknowledging God in my life. So, what is it I do that would be a similar message like Sophie rolling on her back? What is the way I say to God, “I trust you! I’m being vulnerable and presenting my tender side to you. I trust you to care for me.” Confession of our sinful nature is always one way of showing our tender side. Praying the Wesleyan Covenant Prayer, especially the first line, is a great way of expressing one’s trust in God; “I am no longer my own, but thine.”

This idea of expressing trust is going to take further thought and reflection on my part, but I believe Sophie taught me something meaningful and important this morning. How can I start out my day declaring my dependence and trust in God? This is a great question to consider each morning. Thank you, Sophie, for trusting me and being a great example.

As followers of Jesus, may we each start out our days in a similar fashion, expressing our love and trust in God, the one who is faithful and true, and who loves us more than we can ever fully understand. “Good morning God!!! We’ve got this day to share together. I am no longer my own, but yours! Use me today! I trust you!!”

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

When was the last time you experienced an “epiphany?” Before you answer, know this is a trick question of sorts. You see, yesterday was Epiphany in the church year, so technically we all experienced an epiphany yesterday, or on Thursday, January 6.

The word epiphany actually means manifestation, realization, or a moment of clarity. Some would say the word means an unveiling or a disclosure. In some Christian traditions Epiphany centers around the coming of the Wise Men and their seeing this “new” king they were searching for. Another tradition in the Christian faith focuses on Jesus’ baptism and the moment when Jesus came up from the water. In that moment the Spirit descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove and there was a voice from heaven that was heard to say, “This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased.” This was the manifestation or unveiling of who Jesus was to the world.

Unfortunately, too often, Epiphany is seen as a once-a-year kind of thing. It happens every year on January 6, we sing an appropriate hymn or two, there might be a scripture about the Light coming into the world or Jesus’ baptism read, and then we quickly move on. But the intention of Epiphany is that one is never quite the same because of the experience. An epiphany provides insight, clarity, a sense of new direction, and even a new understanding for one’s life. Consider the Wise Men. The story in Matthew tells us that the experience of finding/seeing the Christ Child brought clarity to their lives in that they knew not to trust Herod or his motives. Thus, they returned to their homeland without notifying Herod of where they found the newborn king. And of course, the unveiling that took place at Jesus’ baptism touched John the Baptist and the world in ways we are still coming to understand.

The real intention of the word Epiphany for our lives and our faith, is that it is an ongoing experience. Epiphany is something that continues to impact our lives as we understand in new ways who Jesus was and is, and how Jesus’ love and life continues to touch our world.

Just this morning in my personal Bible reading time I read a passage in Matthew 17 telling of the transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-13). In that moment the disciples who were with Jesus were totally taken by surprise, were confused about what was going on, and gained new insight into who Jesus was. In fact, as much as the disciples thought they understood Jesus, the Gospel stories are quite clear, they really didn’t. Even up through the resurrection and then when Jesus was taken up into heaven, it is clear the disciples were still growing in their understanding of who Jesus was and is, and how that shapes reality.

I have a hunch that too often we, or should I say “I,” am much like the disciples. I think I’ve got Jesus figured out. I’ve got Jesus in my little box of understanding, and that’s good enough, right?! But the truth is, Jesus is constantly breaking out of boxes. My prayer for the coming year is, “God, let me have an epiphany with Jesus today!” Seriously praying this prayer is likely to change a person’s life in ways that are hard to imagine today but can and will bring new clarity and hope for the future! Are you game?? Let’s pray this prayer several times each week in 2022 and see how Jesus shows up. God, let me have an epiphany with Jesus today!

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

How did I greet God today? 1.14.22

Epiphany 01.07.22