(Saturday)
As a child, I only knew one Kermit. He was small and green, and he sang songs and danced. He was also in love with an obnoxious pink pig. I loved Kermit because he was kind and gentle. He was also wise, and I learned things when I paid attention to him. Kermit knew things I didn’t know, and he introduced me to new things and new ideas without me realizing I was learning life values. Yes, Kermit was the best frog I knew.
Several years ago, I received the gift of a second Kermit in my life. Not much was different. This one isn’t small or green, and I have never seen him dance. I don’t think he ever kept company with pigs. Other than that, my two Kermits have much in common. My human friend is just as kind and gentle as my frog friend. Human Kermit also knows things I don’t know, and he introduces me to new things and new ideas without me realizing I am learning life values. Yes, Kermit the Man is one of the best people I know.
Kermit is more than a friend to me. I look up to him as a mentor and spiritual leader. As a United Methodist pastor, Kermit is technically a retired colleague. In my heart, though, he is someone I strive to emulate – a great example of Christianity walking around on earth.
One of my greatest thrills in ministry would be to work alongside Kermit. Since the day I met him, I have enjoyed his company and thought that I have much to learn from this giant in Methodism. If I have a question about theology, I know he can walk me through my understanding because he’s very smart and has a way of helping me discern and develop my own insight. If I need to grasp something from our Book of Discipline, Kermit is my first phone call. (After all, he wrote a lot of it.)
Several months ago, I received a phone call from one of Kermit’s granddaughters. I have known several members of his family for many years so I wasn’t surprised to hear from her. I was floored to learn of her reason for calling. Lindsey and her boyfriend, Daniel, had become engaged and were inviting me to officiate at their wedding – right alongside Kermit! Weddings are always super special occasions for pastors and especially so when the couple is precious to our hearts. Loving this couple as I do, their invitation is like being handed a piece of cake. I do like cake, and sharing such a special day with such a wonderful family will be a sweet and delicious treat. I have to admit that serving with Kermit is nothing short of chocolate fudge icing on that cake!
Treats in this life are sometimes difficult to identify. Chocolate fudge icing kind of treats can be extremely scarce. I think Jesus faced a good deal of struggle in his human life, but I also believe he knew the sweet and delicious treat that was coming for all of us. Even when he described to his disciples his coming ridicule, torture and death, he was quick to add that he would conquer that death and offer us eternal life alongside him. Victory over death and eternal life – talk about icing on the cake! As we enter into the final week of Lent, may I praise Jesus’ sacrifice for me in sweet and delicious ways.
As for Lindsey and Daniel… I thank God for them, their families, and Kermit. May I serve this evening in ways that honor and glorify our Savior and make Kermit proud; and may God bless the union of this precious couple with an eternal richness far better than any chocolate-covered cake.
Happily ever after,
Pastor Beth
PRAYER FROM PSALM 118
O glorious God, please forgive our selfishness. We confess that we want to be treated favorably and be blessed for following you. We want what is sweet and delicious without considering the cost. Please give us the courage to follow you no matter the cost in this life as we reach in faith for you and the love you offer. Amen.
KEY VERSES FROM TODAY’S SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 118 – Open the gates of righteousness for me so I can come in and give thanks to the Lord!
Jeremiah 33 – Give thanks to the Lord of heavenly forces, for the Lord is good and his kindness lasts forever.
Mark 10 – They will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles. They will ridicule him, spit on him, torture him, and kill him. After three days, he will rise up.
For today’s full scripture readings, click here… https://www.divinestreet.org/lent-scripture.html
As a child, I only knew one Kermit. He was small and green, and he sang songs and danced. He was also in love with an obnoxious pink pig. I loved Kermit because he was kind and gentle. He was also wise, and I learned things when I paid attention to him. Kermit knew things I didn’t know, and he introduced me to new things and new ideas without me realizing I was learning life values. Yes, Kermit was the best frog I knew.
Several years ago, I received the gift of a second Kermit in my life. Not much was different. This one isn’t small or green, and I have never seen him dance. I don’t think he ever kept company with pigs. Other than that, my two Kermits have much in common. My human friend is just as kind and gentle as my frog friend. Human Kermit also knows things I don’t know, and he introduces me to new things and new ideas without me realizing I am learning life values. Yes, Kermit the Man is one of the best people I know.
Kermit is more than a friend to me. I look up to him as a mentor and spiritual leader. As a United Methodist pastor, Kermit is technically a retired colleague. In my heart, though, he is someone I strive to emulate – a great example of Christianity walking around on earth.
One of my greatest thrills in ministry would be to work alongside Kermit. Since the day I met him, I have enjoyed his company and thought that I have much to learn from this giant in Methodism. If I have a question about theology, I know he can walk me through my understanding because he’s very smart and has a way of helping me discern and develop my own insight. If I need to grasp something from our Book of Discipline, Kermit is my first phone call. (After all, he wrote a lot of it.)
Several months ago, I received a phone call from one of Kermit’s granddaughters. I have known several members of his family for many years so I wasn’t surprised to hear from her. I was floored to learn of her reason for calling. Lindsey and her boyfriend, Daniel, had become engaged and were inviting me to officiate at their wedding – right alongside Kermit! Weddings are always super special occasions for pastors and especially so when the couple is precious to our hearts. Loving this couple as I do, their invitation is like being handed a piece of cake. I do like cake, and sharing such a special day with such a wonderful family will be a sweet and delicious treat. I have to admit that serving with Kermit is nothing short of chocolate fudge icing on that cake!
Treats in this life are sometimes difficult to identify. Chocolate fudge icing kind of treats can be extremely scarce. I think Jesus faced a good deal of struggle in his human life, but I also believe he knew the sweet and delicious treat that was coming for all of us. Even when he described to his disciples his coming ridicule, torture and death, he was quick to add that he would conquer that death and offer us eternal life alongside him. Victory over death and eternal life – talk about icing on the cake! As we enter into the final week of Lent, may I praise Jesus’ sacrifice for me in sweet and delicious ways.
As for Lindsey and Daniel… I thank God for them, their families, and Kermit. May I serve this evening in ways that honor and glorify our Savior and make Kermit proud; and may God bless the union of this precious couple with an eternal richness far better than any chocolate-covered cake.
Happily ever after,
Pastor Beth
PRAYER FROM PSALM 118
O glorious God, please forgive our selfishness. We confess that we want to be treated favorably and be blessed for following you. We want what is sweet and delicious without considering the cost. Please give us the courage to follow you no matter the cost in this life as we reach in faith for you and the love you offer. Amen.
KEY VERSES FROM TODAY’S SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 118 – Open the gates of righteousness for me so I can come in and give thanks to the Lord!
Jeremiah 33 – Give thanks to the Lord of heavenly forces, for the Lord is good and his kindness lasts forever.
Mark 10 – They will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles. They will ridicule him, spit on him, torture him, and kill him. After three days, he will rise up.
For today’s full scripture readings, click here… https://www.divinestreet.org/lent-scripture.html