Shoaf After church last Sunday I slipped into my office. I thought everyone was gone and I started singing the closing hymn, "Since Jesus Came into My Heart." It was one of those songs that kept twirling around in my brain and wouldn't let go. What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought, since Jesus came into my heart. I have light in my soul for which long I have sought.

As my computer was gearing up, the pianist stuck her head in the door and said, "I'm still singing that, too."

We commiserated for a while about the joy of Jesus and the love that goes round and round. We also talked about some of the bad stuff and wished that everyone could sing songs of joy.

That is an old song I learned as a child in my little Presbyterian Church in Elston. We memorized those wonderful words and the music was grand. As I sing them over and over these days, it really does lift my heart. I can be tired and feel dull and lazy, and if I start singing there is a change in my heart - and in my mind.

It's more than the words and music though. It is Jesus. Sometimes I just want to sing out loud for everyone to hear those wonderful words and know the joy of Christ. One time I was walking through the mall at Christmas time and started singing along with the music coming through the halls of the mall. Before I caught myself, a woman looked at me and smiled, then nudged her husband and nodded towards me. I stopped singing, but I don't know why. I was happy and I thought the world was happy. I don't think she was making fun of me, but I felt conspicuous.

Oftentimes I am made aware of heartache and turmoil, and sometimes it's so painful that singing won't make the hurt go away. That's when we Christians would do a service by helping others. We all hear of many woes of the world, and we can't help everyone, but we might do one little thing and tell others to pass it on. As we gather in the comforts of our homes and churches, let us remember that some of God's children - our neighbors - are huddled in fear and starvation. Some people are lonely and hungry for a smile, a hug, a phone call, a hand-written note, or a loaf of bread.

What a wonderful change it could make in your heart if you help someone today.

So that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:6.

Bonnie Shoaf is pastor at Burlington United Methodist Church.