Dear Friends;
Late afternoon greetings on this last Friday in June, first Friday of Summer. Hope you are enjoying the sunshine.
The Reflection today is focused on “Joy”. May these words and the thoughts that they engender be a blessing to you on your pilgrimage of faith.
Grace and peace with pastoral love and care,
Rev. Phil
“I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.”
(Gospel of John 15.11 NRSV)
“Joyful, joyful we adore you, God of glory, life & love; hearts unfold like flowers before you, opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the gloom of doubt away; giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day.
Mortals join the mighty chorus which the morning stars began; God’s own love is reigning o’er us, joining people hand in hand. Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife; joyful music leads us sunward in the triumph song of life.”
(Voices United #232 vs. 1 & 4 H. van Dyke 1907 alt. – tune Ludwig von Beethoven 1824)
Today I want simply to share with you some images of joy. May they bring to mind many others from your own experience:
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A mother Mallard crossing the road with seven ducklings following behind in single file – the traffic stopped and waiting – breath held at this awesome sight.
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Turtles digging nests by the road and finding their way safely back to the marsh;
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Dragonflies feeding – their gossamer wings flashing in the sunlight;
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The blessed cool wind after a heat-wave;
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Rain bouncing off the road or gently falling;
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Towering thunderheads;
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New soft green sprouts of spruce/pine/cedar;
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The serenity/peace of a friend whose life-journey here is ending, while they wait “prepared & ready” for the angel’s call;
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The joyful dance and delightful squeals of laughter from a two-year-old child in the presence of cousins not seen in months (except on Facetime).
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“Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy!”
