As the summer drifts along, I trust that things are going well with you and your family and friends. If you had not had any vacation yet, I hope you will enjoy some soon. Elaine and I look forward to another week at the beach next week.

One of the things on my mind lately is the decline of civility in our society. We are certainly living through coarser, harsher times than when I grew up in the 1950’s and early 60’s. Two phrases come to mind; “a cheerful heart is good medicine” from Proverbs 17 and “you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” How many times have people followed your car too closely in traffic or cut you off on the beltline? How many store clerks have treated you indifferently or rudely? People seem to be in a hurry nowadays, so focused on the tasks at hand, that they charge ahead running roughshod over those who get in their way. Most of us were raised with the golden rule and Jesus’ summary of the law, both of which teach us to treat others with respect and kindness, just as we would like them to treat us. But both seem to be in short supply these days.

Some would suggest that our days and weeks are so overbooked with work, school, shopping, commuting, and even church activities that we are stressed out by too much work, not enough sleep, and way too little rest or downtime to let our minds and bodies – not to mention our souls – recover. One of the brilliant things about the biblical faith is the concept of Sabbath. One day in seven should be set aside for rest from our labors and to spend some time thinking about our Creator and our relationships with others. This is not to be seen as a burdensome rule to be kept, but rather an opportunity to be embraced and enjoyed. Jesus told the rule keepers of his day that the Sabbath was made for people, not the other way around.

I think what is missing in the lives of so many these days is a proper and healthy balance between work, family, and spiritual nourishment. Maybe that is why so many people are so crabby and on edge. I firmly believe that people who are loved will love others and people who are happy with their station in life will be kind and respectful toward others. So, as we go about our busy days, perhaps we could smile instead of frown and take time to treat each other as the special people we all are: created in the image of God and therefore worthy of respect.

If you are in town on Sunday I hope you will join us for worship. I will preach on one of my favorite parables: the Good Samaritan, and we will ordain and install new elders and deacons. In the meantime, slow down, smell the roses, and greet your neighbor with a smile.

Your friend,
David 
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