| Hi all,
I was just on a conference call with church leaders from across theologies and denominations. I listened. In some theological ways, we are different. Yet, we all face pandemic frustration and weariness. We are all human beings trying to find meaning, live our values, and love our selves/family/neighbors. And, most of us are weary. That word kept being repeated. Weary.
What is the antidote? The cure?
The big answer is for the pandemic to be over. In the meantime…
In “Acedia and Me”, author Kathleen Norris suggests that we center our efforts around the demands of daily life. I like that. It gives a sense of what to do, where to begin. Just like I mentioned in my sermon on Sunday, break it down to the basics. Don’t worry quite so much. Start noticing the particulars. Be on the lookout for joy.
One way to be on the lookout for joy is to notice things that you can’t always see. A friend told me about spotting a hidden lake the other day. Most of the year, you wouldn’t know the lake even existed. It was tucked behind houses and lots of trees. There was no obvious road in that direction, much less signage. It was as it turned out, a winter-time find. Through the barren trees, there it was, gleaming.
Yesterday, Fiona was taking me for a walk. A few blocks from home, Fiona stopped and fixed her gaze. Not in a bad way, just a sense the something was ahead. I looked. Just off the road in a backyard, there were chickens. Big, fluffy, pretty chickens. Lots of them. We carefully walked ahead and looked closer. Just seeing them brightened my day.
What are your moments of noticing? Where are you finding bits of joy?
It is OK to be weary. We’re all there. Just break it down. Don’t worry so much. Notice.
Blessings in finding joys large and small,
Rev. Marian |
