Oktoberfest Fun

by Jane Josephs

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful…” –Prov. 15:13a

My daughter is coming this month from Chicago for a short visit, and I can’t help but smile at the thought. Her trip just happens to coincide with a time when my husband will be playing his clarinet at an Oktoberfest at Tierra Santa Lutheran Church. Since her dad will be wearing lederhosen attire, Laura (my daughter) thought she and I should wear dirndls, the typical women’s dresses with bodices and aprons. How could I say no?

You probably already know that Oktoberfest typically includes plenty of traditional Bavarian food like giant pretzels, roast chicken, and weisswurst. But have you heard about the pork knuckles? I’m drawing the line at the pork knuckles. LOL

Then there’s the beer. Although he is not historically connected with Oktoberfest celebrations, Martin Luther, the German monk who forever changed Christianity when he nailed his 95 theses to a church door in 1517, was known to enjoy German beer. And his wife was said to be an expert brewer who operated a successful home brewery at their residence. Cheers!

As we usher in the fall season, it’s good to celebrate and have a little fun, don’t you think? The crazy hot days of summer are coming to an end, the leaves on the trees are beginning to put on a show, and the kids have settled back in school. God’s love puts a smile on our face and a skip in our step! As the old song goes: That’s how it is with God’s love / Once you’ve experienced it / You’ll spread His love to everyone / You’ll want to pass it on.

Dear Lord, we’re so grateful for all You’ve done for us. We’re in awe of Your faithfulness and goodness. Help us share Your love with everyone we meet. Let our joy in knowing You show in everything we say and do for the glory of Your name. Amen.