Growly Bear

June 23, 2024
 
Reflection From the Heart of Allan Redenius
Once upon a time, Growly Bear lived down the road.  Never happy, always muttering some sort of unpleasantry.  He reminded me of the troll in the fairy tale, Billy Goats Gruff.  “I’m mean and I’m hungry and I’m going to eat you up,” said the troll each time someone crossed his bridge.
 
Each time someone crossed his bridge, Growly Bear would utter sounds not unlike the mean, mean troll.  After a time, the people living around Growly Bear began to ignore and avoid him.  Eventually, Growly Bear faced a troll bigger and meaner than he, there always is one.
 
Today the children of the community, Growly Bear’s neighbors, cross his bridge with immunity, protected by the bigger Growly Bear.  One day, Growly Bear will die a lonely, lonely man, and I ask, “Why?”  Certainly, he never heard what Jesus said, “Love God and live for your neighbor’s good.”  That’s my paraphrase of the Lord’s greatest commandment!  (Matthew 22:36-40)
 
Have you ever asked yourself if you are the troll in the fairy tale, Billy Goats Gruff?  Always angry, never compromising, never saying you’re sorry, not a gentle bone in your body.  Is that you?  Sometimes it’s good to look in the mirror and see yourself as others see you.  If you see a troll staring back at you, like combing your hair, fix whatever ails you.  Certainly, you don’t want to end up like Growly Bear, an old man, an old woman facing life all alone because of the seeds you planted in your younger years.
 
Don’t think you can change your Growly Bear personality?  The meanest Growly Bear of all, was a man named Legion.  Jesus wasn’t afraid of him.  He went to him.  Legion changed and went from a man cursing Jesus, to a man wanting to follow and witness for Him.  (Luke 8:26-39)
 
Look in the mirror.  Do you see a troll, or do you see Jesus?  Oh, by the way, you can’t see both.  Either you’re a 100% Jesus or 100% Growly Bear.  My advice.  Be like Jesus!
 
Pastor Allan     
      
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