Finding a Favorite Thing

Beth Salave'a

I love the scene in The Sound of Music when Julie Andrews seeks to comfort the children in her care during a thunderstorm by singing the beloved song “My Favorite Things.” Inspired by this song I keep an ongoing list of my own Favorite Things. Imagine my delight a year ago when my husband and I attended an interest meeting about a new ministry LC3 would be launching and realized this ministry included many top items from my Favorite Things List:

• Sharing Jesus with others through words and actions
• Seeing others come to Jesus and grow in their faith
• Hearing friends share their testimony of God’s goodness
• Learning more about God, the Bible, and my faith
• Meeting new people and making new friends
• Sitting around a table with good food and new friends
• Engaging in meaningful conversation with laughter and tears
• Grappling with tough questions in a safe space with no judgment
• Serving with my husband, Sam, in the same ministry (it’s great for the marriage!)

It was almost too good to be true. I’d never heard of Alpha, but that day I did hear the testimony of people who’d been a part of it. After serving in our first Alpha class, I know Alpha (and GOD!) is that good and that true! Alpha and the people within are officially a Favorite Thing and it’s one I want to share with everyone I meet.

I refocus my fear by remembering the goodness of things in life. God used the opportunity of serving with our Alpha Team to take away my fear of feeling inept at sharing the Gospel and answering tough questions by refocusing my heart on the goodness of Him and the
beautiful things He has provided for us. In fact, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the full knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence.” (2 Peter 1:3)

And, as Julie Andrews sings, “and then I don’t feel so bad.” But, actually, I feel really great. I’d love for you to experience this, too. Please talk with me, or come to Alpha, or serve with Alpha. I know it will become a Favorite Thing that counts for Eternity.