Shedding Some Light

Thoughts for the New Year

The most important thing in communication is to listen for the things not being said.

Happiness comes through doors you didn’t know you left open.

When someone says, “That’s a good question,” you can be sure it’s a lot better than the answer you’re going to get.

Don’t expect God to use you as a lighthouse somewhere else when you won’t let Him use you as a candle where you are.

Courtesy of George Kottwitz
Trinity Lutheran Church
Edwardsville, Ill.

Waste Not, Want Not

Old Ole was dying. On his deathbed, he opened his eyes and asked quietly, “Is my wife here?”

“Yes, Ole, I’m here,” whispered Lena, his wife.

“Are my children here?” Ole asked.

“Yes, Daddy, we’re all here,” his daughter said.

Ole was quiet for a moment. “Are my relatives here?” he asked.

“Yes, they’re all here,” his son said.

Ole paused again. “Then why is the light on in the kitchen?”

Courtesy of George Kottwitz

Charity Begins at Home

Janet was preparing Saturday morning pancakes for her sons, Kevin, 5, and Ryan, 3. As Janet poured the batter into the skillet, the boys began fussing about who would get the first pancake. Sensing an opportunity for a moral lesson, Janet said, “If Jesus were here, He would say, ‘Let my brother have the first pancake. I can wait.’”

Kevin saw the light immediately. His eyes sparkling, he turned to his brother and announced, “Ryan, you can be Jesus.”

Adapted from The Big Book of Church Humor Compiled by Ken Alley

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