SHORT BITS: JOY IN THE MORNING (Post 186)

July 6, 2026

Nothing ventured, nothing gained
He that speaks much, is much mistaken.
He that won’t be counseled can’t be helped
- Benjamin Franklin
blissquote.com/2019/06/Benjamin-franklin-quotes.html

In keeping with the 250th celebration of our country’s historic Declaration of Independence, I am inviting Benjamin Franklin’s words to join our continuing discussion on the topic JOY. Commonly, his sayings and particular expressions cut to the chase, the directness of which sounds more current than two-plus centuries old! Most likely, that’s because they ring true no matter the timing of origin. Then too, Mr. Frankin did not mince words: we’ll find them short and [sometimes] sweet and [most likely] hard to beat!

The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason. BF

Often times during my preaching days, I would create sermon series following a given theme. Other sermons were stand-alone in subject. Always, I prayed for themes and ideas. One week, the topic of “The Cross” came clearly – and so, the meaning of the cross to me as a believer took form for the next sermon. The topic was not announced ahead of time and I brought the Worship Service Bulletins, as usual, to church that Sunday. Our faithful organist was already there practicing her special selections. As I approached the pulpit, there was a surprise. This dear lady, without knowing what the sermon focus would be, had decided to gift me with a beautiful cross. That mystery-of-timing definitely brought JOY in the morning!

Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. BF

Soon after, following another Sunday service, one person, fairly new to the congregation, came up to me and asked me directly, Do you have my cross? My mind immediately scoured anything I might have said to him about this but there was no recollection. Very, very quickly, I replied, I don’t have one today but I can bring you one next Sunday. I knew that I had not given out any crosses – but you better believe I had one for him the next week! A sense of this person’s yearning for a cross gave me the immediate words of assurance to respond as I did. Much later, his wife told me how he continued to truly cherish his cross on a daily basis. JOY, JOY!

Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn. BF

Early on, I learned that weekly home/nursing home/hospital and telephone visits were to be vital parts of ministry. Of course, it took time and my days were quite full … but I met God throughout in new awarenesses, understandings, and a deeper love for many, many folks. One lady, a multiple stroke victim, was seriously home-bound. Physical life was an ever- present struggle but spiritual life covered her as though she was completely blanketed by the Holy Spirit. One day, she asked me how she could join and become a member of the church. She knew she would not be able to be physically present at the worship services. Immediately, I said that we could come to her. We set a Sunday date, I wore my full clerical garments, and a group of us filled her living room for a special worship service in which she officially took membership. Without exaggeration, I can say this service was beyond description in terms of holiness, love, and caring. Truly, there was countless JOY among all of us!

To be sure, I’ll let Benjamin Franklin, close today’s discussion:

Reading makes a full man, meditation a profound man, discourse a clear man. BF

Blessings and joy in your learnings, meditations, and talking with (not at) one another,

Rev. Janet Jacobs, CCGSO

Founding Director

Gambling Recovery Ministries

https://www.grmumc.org

855-926-0761

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International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization

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