Ours is a unique community. When I say “community” I refer to it in two – well, maybe three – ways. I will start with the biggest working to the smallest. I will do this using “the wave factor.” The biggest community would be the human one. I have a silly illustration which I have admittedly done on occasion. In the front passenger seat on a road trip, I have waved at other cars and trucks to see what the reaction would be. At best, they smile and wave back, appreciating the gesture. Some pretend not to notice me. Others look back with no reaction or even a scowl. It’s an interesting experiment of human nature. It is humbling to ponder the sheer size of humanity. On each of the on average 22,000 days we will live on earth, we will see possibly hundreds of people we will never see again.

The wave factor on the next scale: the neighborhood you live in. What do you look for in a neighborhood you might choose to live in? If you drive down the street and people wave at you, it’s a good thing.

This brings me to one last community, that of Joy Lutheran Church which I belong to. Some of you in this blogging relationship may know that I am a native Floridian; a “Cracker.” You may also know that I am one of only a small handful of the 370 members of Joy who is. Everyone else has come from somewhere else. Most of them have come here in retirement, and they often comment that the community or neighborhood they live in has a great “wave factor.” Waves are always accompanied by a smile. I think we can all agree that the “wave factor” is vital for our wellness. Being acknowledged and affirmed without judgment is a tremendous gift.

How does this apply to a congregation? Imagine Jesus standing under our covered drive-up breezeway waving, bidding us to come and find rest for our anxious souls. Here at Joy, that is exemplified in the warmth of our hospitality. It invites others in for the first time, and in most cases establishes a lasting connection. The peace is shared, and guests are no longer strangers but friends. Our hearts “wave” at each other. Picture Jesus waving at every place of worship. The same Jesus who waved the leper, the blind, the lame, the children to come and find healing, mercy, acceptance and unconditional love. Amen.

Pastor Art