By Pastor Mark Woodward
Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith
Churches (and Lenora)
When I was in seminary, I had many blessed moments studying theology, Biblical studies, pastoral counseling, preaching, church administration and the various things needed in parish ministry. I had many talented and well-learned professors who taught effectively and with spiritual energy. My professor of pastoral counseling lifted up some intriguing ideas that I find relevant in light of current society.
This professor brought up themes of “warm fuzzies” and “cold pricklies.” A “warm fuzzy” was like a warm, cuddly puppy, a soft, snuggly blanket, or a favorite flannel shirt. On the other hand, a “cold prickly” was like an abrasive piece of sandpaper, a cold scouring pad, or a sharp, painful pin cushion … ouch!!!
Some people are like “warm fuzzies.” They’re fun to be around, gentle, understanding, compassionate, sensitive and joyful. Others are like “cold pricklies,” bitter, hurtful, sour, judgmental, and not so much fun to be around!
In our world today, what kind of people do we want to be? Are we the kind of people that are fun to be around, gentle, understanding and compassionate or are we bitter, hurtful, sour and not so much fun to be around?
My professor said that the world is full of both types of people and that in modeling the ministry of Jesus we should all strive to be more like him. Maybe in being more like Jesus there would be fewer “cold pricklies” and more “warm fuzzies?” I thought I would put this into practice. There was one seminary professor that I didn’t particularly care for as I perceived him as arrogant, judgmental, and mean-spirited (a cold prickly). One day I was determined to try an experiment. One morning I greeted this professor in the parking lot, tried to be friendly toward him and wished him a good day. I displayed “warm fuzzy” behavior toward him. From that day on, the ice had been broken, and while we never really interacted very much and he was never one of my favorite professors, we learned to be compassionate and kind to one another, and we got along.
This little rabbit pictured here was at the Fillmore County Fair. My grandchildren loved all the rabbits in the 4-H exhibit. Those rabbits were definitely “warm and fuzzy” and they got me to thinking about and remembering my old seminary days. In light of the way things are these days, let’s strive to model our lives after Jesus to be more like him in every way possible. “Warm and fuzzy” or “cold and prickly?” I’d vote for “warm and fuzzy” every time!
I believe following in the ways of Jesus, has the power to transform the world. By letting Jesus into our hearts we are saved by grace through faith and redeemed by God’s unending love and the world becomes a more compassionate, kinder and gentler place – and as my old professor would say, “Let’s go with warm and fuzzy all the way!!!”
God’s blessings always,
Your friend,
Pastor Mark Woodward
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