Sunday, Dave and I finished the last of five weeks of preaching at Alexian Healthcare each Sunday afternoon. Fern Eaves never missed a note on the piano, and we sang joyful praise to the Lord. Susan Cross leads worship and is there every week. Being with her reminded me of her dear father, Glenn Morgan. I was fortunate to meet him in the last few years of his life. Leah Mitchum introduced me to this gentle man of God who had been the pastor at Community Baptist Church for over 50 years. Every time I walked into his home, he would greet me with an exuberant word: “Howdydoodity!” He would laugh with a huge smile, and I found that word filled with deep love and acceptance. I could translate what he meant: “Peace be with you.” Those words were said by a resurrected Christ when he met his disciples. How we greet people is important and can make a difference in their day. Each day, we will encounter many people, and in each encounter, we have a chance to share God's love. A smile, a handshake, and an open gesture of warmth are symbols of loving others, even a stranger we see in the elevator or on the sidewalk. Our world needs God's love. Let's let our smile and our words reflect the love of Christ! Have a great rest of your week!

Bill