But a tradition that fell somewhere amongst these extremes was the showing of Clambake for Elvis' birthday. He is a King after all! And it doesn't fall THAT far after Christ the King Sunday. I treasure this tradition partly because of the people who shared it with me and memories of the delicious food. I appreciate that we could watch a movie purely for its ridiculousness and laugh at it and each other as we sang and danced along. Clambake is a classic, somewhat cheesy story, of a rich man who trades places with a poor man and they both learn stuff.
Yet oddly enough, there's also some gospel hidden beneath the pirouettes and unabashed cheesiness. It comes through (drumroll...):
The Confidence Song
Catchy, right? But in context, it's an example of encouragement. Elvis sings this to a little girl who is afraid to go down a slide when the other kids on the playground are making fun of her. Before long, all the adults are singing along with Elvis and the girl is happily sliding again and again.
We all know that life isn't the ideal of an Elvis movie with flashy cars on a sunny beach where people break into carefully choreographed song and dance every few minutes. But, just like the little girl, we all need encouragement every now and again; like Elvis we all have the power to give it. Not only do we have the power, but Jesus commands us to do so: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
How often have you been in a situation where a kind word would have made a difference? How often are you confident enough yourself to hear and trust Spirit nudgings to encourage others?
My prayer and challenge for you is to be open to seeing where those around you may need some encouragement. Is it the overwhelmed cashier who has heard too many complaints that day? Is it a child or a parent or a spouse who looks particularly exhausted? A colleague who is struggling with a project? Our college students at ELC who are stressed about final exams? Our church staff who have extra work during this already hectic season? There is much need for encouragement in our world, and so many ways to give it. It could be a smile, a friendly "hang in there" a card or quick email.
And if Spirit so moves, there is always Elvis too.
Catchy, right? But in context, it's an example of encouragement. Elvis sings this to a little girl who is afraid to go down a slide when the other kids on the playground are making fun of her. Before long, all the adults are singing along with Elvis and the girl is happily sliding again and again.
We all know that life isn't the ideal of an Elvis movie with flashy cars on a sunny beach where people break into carefully choreographed song and dance every few minutes. But, just like the little girl, we all need encouragement every now and again; like Elvis we all have the power to give it. Not only do we have the power, but Jesus commands us to do so: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
How often have you been in a situation where a kind word would have made a difference? How often are you confident enough yourself to hear and trust Spirit nudgings to encourage others?
My prayer and challenge for you is to be open to seeing where those around you may need some encouragement. Is it the overwhelmed cashier who has heard too many complaints that day? Is it a child or a parent or a spouse who looks particularly exhausted? A colleague who is struggling with a project? Our college students at ELC who are stressed about final exams? Our church staff who have extra work during this already hectic season? There is much need for encouragement in our world, and so many ways to give it. It could be a smile, a friendly "hang in there" a card or quick email.
And if Spirit so moves, there is always Elvis too.
~Rachel
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