THE PAUSE THAT REFRESHES
 

This was the advertising slogan for Coca Cola in 1929. I was visiting with another pastor about the passage from Matthew 10:42, “and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple – truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward” and he recalled this slogan.

 

Sometimes everyone needs a “cup of cold water” or a “pause that refreshes.” Sometimes I forget that when you give and give to others, like so many in this church do, you need a break too. This is a great congregation for people of all traditions and life stories to come and be greeted by the love of God and receive a “cup of cold water” in the name of Jesus Christ. But, the passage began with Jesus addressing the Disciples with “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me.” Jesus is also caring for the Disciples. 

During the summer months the pace changes. Ministries continue and the hungry still must be fed, but the rhythm is different. Summer is a time when families move, get settled and ready for school. It is a time when families of all shapes and configurations take a break and refresh. Some businesses require their employees to take a break of several days during the year. Taking care of yourself and being taken care of is a vital part of God’s recreation. We don’t leave God or quit being disciples,  But, we are invited to try something new, to receive a “cup of cold water” from God and then know the true “pause that refreshes”. We may take a break from teaching Sunday School only to volunteer for Vacation Bible School before we take our family vacation. We may move to our summer home to catch up with lives of our friends and rejoin the ministries of our summer congregation. Some will go on mission trips and others to camp or a spiritual retreat. I like to spend a week at a monastery with no phones or electricity.

   ... “whoever welcomes you, welcomes me”. You are welcome.

 
The ministries of this congregation will continue through the summer along with the ministries of God’s church all over the world. As you travel, stop and worship in a new place or with friends you may not have seen in a while. Visit one of the many mission opportunities of the United Methodist Church. A list can be found by searching the General Board of General Ministries website at GBGM-UMC.org. Volunteer to do something you may not have done in a while like cook, sing or teach. If you sing in the choir then you might volunteer to play handbells.  If you cook, then you might try teaching.  If you teach, then you might volunteer to drive someone to a doctor’s appointment.

 

There are lots of ways to receive the true pause that refreshes. Don’t forget to take God on your vacation. Take a break, change the pace of your life and enjoy the presence of God that can be seen all around. You don’t have to travel to do this. Spend a few extra minutes each day reading your Bible and listening to God tell you the stories of your family. Pack a picnic lunch and go to the park and look at some of the beautiful art work God has done just for you. Go to the local mall or swimming pool and marvel at all the different people God has created. Go to church and say thanks for the chance to spend time with God as a welcomed Disciple. The text says “whoever welcomes you, welcomes me”. You are welcome.

 

See you Sunday,

 

Jim