Pastor's Pen May 2025

What is Important to You?

        A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22.

                A young boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of root beer and he started his journey.

When he had gone about three blocks, he saw an old man who was sitting in the park just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase.

He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old man looked hungry; so he offered him a Twinkie. The man gratefully accepted it and smiled at him. His smile was so pleasant that the boy wanted to see it again; so, he offered him a root beer.

Again, the man smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there that afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word. As it got later, the boy realized how tired he was, and he got up to leave; but, before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around and ran back to the old man. He gave him a hug. The old man gave him his biggest smile ever.

When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face.

She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?

"He replied, "I had lunch with God."

But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what?  He's got the most wonderful smile I've ever seen!”

Meanwhile, the old man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face, and he asked, "Dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?”

He replied, "I ate Twinkies in the park with God."

Before his son responded, he added, "You know, he's much younger than I expected.” ( Found this in book of stories with no Author)

        Again, I ask you, what is important to you? What does God look like, talk like? We have seen pictures of Him. Or have we? I don’t believe there were cameras back in His time. His likeness has been passed on to us. Hopefully you have a picture in your mind as to how you would envision Him. Maybe that picture or HE never crosses your thoughts.  All that God and His Son Jesus, has, and is offering to us. It cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it has no earthly good until it is given away. Too often we underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, the smallest act of caring. In a park, or in your church, or in your home.

        I would like to tell you some news. I hope you have enjoyed my newsletters these past six years. I’ve enjoyed sending them to you. This will be my last article to all of you. I am retiring and will be leaving my position at Zion UCC Church in June. It has been a privilege serving God at Zion. Joyce and I hope to enjoy ourselves in our new chapter of our life. We hope all of you will go on a great journey of your own. Serving God one day at a time. Remember God does not owe us anything but has given us EVERYTHING. Joyce and I have been blessed with 42 years in the Ministry. Joyce has been by my side as a partner in my ministry and our marriage. We both feel very lucky. We also feel that luck has very little to do with it because Marriage and Ministry take a lot of work.  All of you constantly look for ways to improve your journey in life and with God. For heaven’s sake if you get a chance to have a root beer and twinkie with God open your lunch box and do it. You will never be disappointed. Blessings to all of you.

                                                   Rev. Walter Coy and Joyce