(with acknowledgment to NYT bestselling author Matthew Kelly)

His book “Holy Moments” was gifted to me, and I “re-gifted” it to an  end table in our church narthex. If you attend or are a member of Joy, maybe you noticed it. Took a peek. Browsed through it. Borrowed and returned it. Other than one comment, “I found it interesting”, I don’t know its’ impact.

I suppose that’s the whole point of holy moments. Like casting seed onto the ground, or Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get. But they are easy to seek out; not requiring much time or effort on our part. It takes opening ourselves to the possibilities God may have in store. A holy moment can lead to someone visiting our worship service. A brief prayer spoken at Walmart or Dunkin can brighten someone’s day. We all want to be encouraged. Even the ones who seem to have their defense, their distrust, on high alert. Let’s face it: our faces don’t always say we’re a Christian. We don’t advertise it well. If we want people to know Jesus, turn to him, and RE-turn to him in church worship (or anywhere worship), we are at a crossroads. An historical tipping point, if you prefer. There may not be time to waste. It will entail dispelling any resistance to change, and any hanging on to the way it used to be (read: “should” still be). This is especially true in today’s culture of lies. Is there anything or anyone truer than Jesus?

Holy moments are the gift of hope. They cost nothing, but you never know what the cost of doing nothing will be. Maybe even the difference in someone wondering if their life is worth living. You never know what you’re going to get; but it will be covered in the embrace of God’s unconditional love.

(Maybe I’ll rename that box of Whitman’s or Russell Stover “Holy Moments) …

Pastor Art