Dear Friends;
Good morning on this overcast day – perhaps these are April showers beginning? Although the sky is grey just now, the forecast is for bright sunshine today and tomorrow – and then a stormy Sunday. (March is “to go out like a lamb” with 6C and sunshine on Tuesday.
My Reflection this morning is on the topic of “Joy” which we can experience even in the midst of these trying times. May God’s Spirit move among us and within us that we might find joy – “sunshine through the clouds” this day.
Blessings,
Rev. Phil
JOY
“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy might remain in you and that your joy might be full.”
Jesus – Gospel of John 15.11
Jesus spoke these words as part of his farewell to his friends – his community. The context is the Last Supper. These words were spoken just before Jesus and his disciples went out to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed and then was arrested. Even, and especially, in times of suffering and distress, joy surprises us.
“Joy is Like the Rain”
(The Medical Mission Sisters, 1966)
- I saw raindrops on my window, joy is like the rain. Laughter runs across my pane, slips away and comes again, joy is like the rain.
- I saw clouds upon a mountain, joy is like a cloud: sometimes silver, sometimes gray, always sun not far away; joy is like a cloud.
- I saw Christ in wind and thunder, joy is tried by storm. Christ asleep within my boat, whipped by wind yet still afloat! Joy is tried by storm.
I invite you to check out the Video on You Tube, entitled “Joy is Like the Rain & I Can See Clearly Now: Rock Gospel” You’ll enjoy the music and likely get a kick out of the singers’ 1970 duds! This is a bilingual version: English and American Sign Language. The entire video lasts less than six minutes.
Sometimes it is a challenge to experience joy when our eyes are clouded by tears or our hearts heavy with anxiety about the situation faced by our families, our community and our human sisters and brothers everywhere. Although “Joy” is sometimes illusive – we can find it if we look for it. It truly is a gift of God.
- The songs of Robins, Cardinals and Mourning Doves – the dawn chorus of the birds;
- The sight of snow drops blooming – with crocus, daffodils, tulips and hyacinth pushing up through the earth after the long winter;
- The smile on the face of a toddler splashing through springtime puddles in new rubber boots;
- The awesome beauty of dawn and sunset over the waters of our beloved lakes and rivers;
- The experience of having shared food and wine with family and friends around our tables. (the “friends” piece will bring joy to our hearts when this crisis is over and we can then be together once more.)
- Playing peek-a-boo with a child on FaceTime;
The list could fill pages. Perhaps it would be a good exercise for us to keep a “Joy Journal” along with our “Gratitude List” during this time of social isolation?
Although we are physically apart – technology is amazing in its ability to connect us! A couple of days ago my sister Faith in Toronto called us. Then using her iPhone she brought my sister Frances, and brothers Ernie and Allen with their partners into the conversation! We had a cellphone family reunion! Awesome! We will do it again soon.
Perhaps you too can set up something like that? I’m thinking that the choir could have a chat together – the Book Study could perhaps conclude their study by virtual means? I know all of this would take some techie input – which is way beyond my abilities. Perhaps others can rise to the challenge?
Yesterday I shared with you the link to hear the Rotterdam Symphony Orchestra – even though socially isolated in their homes – bring greetings to one another and to the world – and then played a stirring rendition of Bethoven’s “Ode to Joy” from his Sixth Symphony. This was so beautiful it caused tears of joy for me! My heart was filled with hope because of what these folk symbolized. And the music was an international language that all could appreciate.
So, today, my wish for you is that you will be aware of the little ways that “joy” is seeking to break into your life – through the clouds of anxiety and distress. This joy is a gift of God – may it warm your heart and bring hope for the future.
Finally I leave you with the words of the Prophet Nehemiah from Hebrew Scripture – words that you have heard me sing especially with the children:
“And he said, ‘Go your way and feast together in your families – feast on the best food and vintage wine . . . .(and send an offering to the Food Bank for those without the resources to feast) for this day is holy to our LORD; and do not be grieved for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8.10 (my paraphrase)
The joy of the Lord is our strength!
With compassionate care,
Rev. Phil
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