July 13, 2009

The Recipe for Being Happy

“Get ready for a lot of hugs,” I was told as I went to pray for the Hope for Africa Children’s Choir as they prepared to leave us a couple of weeks ago. Since the 22 children and 10 adults arrived in North Georgia I had come to expect hugs accompanied by big smiles that would light up their faces.

These folks come from war torn countries where violence and poverty are the norm. You might expect them to be fearful and withdrawn. Instead they embraced you and brightened the space with their smiles. The affection and friendliness of the children is the result of the Orphans and Vulnerable Children’s Ministry of the East Africa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Approximately 250 children are educated, housed, and cared for at the Humble United Methodist School in Mukono, Uganda. All the children who are enrolled there are orphans or children from very poor families. They have very little but the light in their eyes, the smiles on their faces, and the warmth of their embrace demonstrates the love and grace of God to them and to me.

I wonder what the effect would be if every person reading this would express the same love and enthusiasm as these children from Africa. We certainly have reasons to smile and to be happy. We all face adversity but the grace and love of God far outweighs any and all of our circumstances.

What would happen if we decided to smile no matter what the circumstances? What if we adopted the attitude of the Apostle Paul when he said, “I've learned to be content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty (Phil. 4:11-13).”

I am not suggesting that we live in denial or that we “accept” every reality. All circumstances are not desirable and we should do everything within our power and with God’s help to effect change in unhealthy situations. I am not implying that we should not strive to improve our lot in life. Rather, I am advocating for an attitude adjustment that focuses on what we have instead of what we lack. Contentment is a state of mind and spirit that comes from recognizing that God is in control of our lives and the external environment does not define us.

Once we focus on God’s love, grace, and provision for our lives we can be content without being “satisfied” with our circumstances at the moment. When that deep sense of peace is present, we can smile.

Smile, God loves you. And calls all of us to embrace others as children of God and as brothers and sisters.

Jamie Jenkins
jjenkins@ngumc.org

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Rethink Church Welcome Training

Welcoming Training for Rethink Church, co-sponsored by the North Georgia Annual Conference and United Methodist Communications, will be Saturday, August 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Peachtree Road UMC in Atlanta. We will offer three different training options. You can bring a team and cover all the sessions or just catch up with the newest information and resources. Your choice – all for one low price of $40 per church.
--Click Here to Register--
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Upcoming Events

Cooperate Christian Mission Education Event July 16-18, 2009
Youth Harambee July 16-19, 2009
Glisson Summer Camp Week 8 July 19-24
Entire Conference Calendar

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Lectionary Scriptures

Sunday, July 19

2 Samuel 7:1-14a
Psalm 89:20-37
Ephesians 2:11-22
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

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