Farmers Market Give Away
During the Memorial Day Parade in Elmhurst on Monday, I was joyfully reminded of how much fun it is to give away other people’s stuff. I honestly think it’s one of my top spiritual gifts!
Let me explain…
As a contingent of market volunteers paraded our way through downtown Elmhurst, we passed out slips of paper with essential information about the upcoming Elmhurst Farmers Market to anyone who looked eager to receive it (a little bit of fun), as well as 4”x4” sponge-like squares embedded with wildflower seeds, making for a simple way to water, plant and enjoy the beauty. That part was SO MUCH FUN. And virtually everyone on the parade route, young and old alike, appeared delighted to receive a free gift of seeds to brighten their little corner of the suburbs.
As opposed to giving away my own stuff, or even a gift of my own choosing (really hoping the recipient will like it!), giving away someone else’s stuff is a purer form of joy. There’s no ego involved or strings attached, simply the goodness of sharing.
I genuinely believe that this is at the top of the list of reasons that attracted me to, and keeps me going in, pastoral ministry. The best parts of church life are simply sharing what God has given and seeing it passed along to the people and parts of the Kingdom where it will serve best. Preaching is so much more fun when I can simply pass on God’s Word without any care in the world for what people think of me (still working on it). Music is so much more joyful when we musicians simply invite others into the dance-circle-with-God that we’re already enjoying. Time and money are happily parted with when we remember that those commodities never belonged to us at all, they’re simply capacities that God’s generosity has gifted and we get to pass along.
Whether it’s the upper case “Good News” or a form of lower case “good news,” it’s a joy to give other people’s stuff away.
Speaking of lower case good news, the Elmhurst Farmers Market kick off is coming this week! Opening Day is Wednesday, June 3 - here's the line-up:
🕖 7:00 AM – Market Opens
🎨 9:00-11:00 am - Children's Activities
🖍️🧩🧸⚽️ including bean planting, books, toys, coloring sheets, temporary tattoos and more!
🎶 10:30 AM – Live Music Begins
🕐 1:00 PM – Market Closes
🥪🍕🥟 Ready to eat food trucks throughout.
If you’re able to go, I strongly encourage you to bring a friend - buy them something good to eat - and feel the joy it brings to give away some healthy food. Grace to you as you do,
– Pastor Gregg