Pastor's Letter - November 2015 

 

Dear Friends

Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!   Phil 4:4

A couple of Sundays ago I preached a message on joy based around these words from Paul to the church in Philippi, and talked about our choice to rejoice in every situation, good or bad.   The message obviously struck a chord and come at the right time, as I have received so many positive comments on the back of that Sunday.    As I said, I am still working out how this “choice to rejoice” works itself out in every situation, in the difficult times as well as the great times, but I do know that there is a life of greater joy for all of us.

During my message I mentioned our dog, Fergus’s reaction to his dinner being put out, that he runs round in circles with excitement like this is the best thing in the world, and that perhaps we need to find opportunities to do the same.  On the back of the message I was given an article entitled “If a Dog Were Your Teacher”, and I thought I would simply share a few snippets from the article that might brighten up your day, your month, your life! – so here goes:

If a dog were your teacher, you would learn stuff like…

• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
• Take naps and stretch before rising.
• Run, romp and play daily.
• Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
• When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• No matter how often you are scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing or pout – run right back and make friends.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
• Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
• Be loyal.
• Never pretend to be something you’re not.
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and offer a gentle nuzzle.

I pray that through this month and as we move towards Christmas, that the joy of the Lord would be your strength (Neh 8:10), and that, together, we would be a people who bring joy to each other and to those around us.

Love and Joyful Blessings

Jon