Pet peeves or pet graces?
The weather is always a good source for small talk. However, for those people stuck in those Northern dark and dreary January days that “small talk” about the weather grows even smaller, meaner and morose: “I hate the snow!” “Don’t you just love what the salt does to your shoes, your car and your clothes?” “It’s dark when I go out in the morning and dark when I get home after work. I haven’t seen daylight in weeks!” Everyday gripes about everyday glitches might bind us together in a kind of “survivor” camaraderie, but they are about as inspiring as all those TV ads for weight loss programs and tax return help.
I’m going to guess that every one of you has a pet peeve but why can’t we have pet joys? Rather than talk, tweet, or text all your pet gripes verbalize your pet graces and get busy bringing joy to others through compliments, commendations and courtesy.
In John 2:1-11 we read that at the wedding of Cana the wine is about to run out. Not only was this a social embarrassment, it was also a symbol. The rabbis taught that “without wine there is no joy!” Running out of wine at a wedding was an omen that there was little chance of joy, happiness and success for the couple.
Quietly and miraculously, Jesus saved the host from finger-pointing embarrassment. We can imagine the dancing, laughter, camaraderie and delight of the people who were able to continue the seven day wedding party because Jesus “made joy for them.” In like manner, the wedding becomes a symbol of the Kingdom of God where people of every nation are invited to “Come and sit down to the unforgettable marriage supper of the lamb” (Rev. 19:7-11).
The wedding at Cana was unforgettable because Jesus made 180 gallons of wine and later he says: “Drink, drink ye all of it!” As you drink remember Jesus our bridegroom takes us as His own for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. Therefore, drop your pet peeves and share your pet graces because Jesus reminds you: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy will be complete” (Jn. 15:11).