A Word From David

Looking for Joy

With the news of the week I am having a hard time finding much joy in the 4th of July. The evil bill that Congress just passed promises tax breaks to the wealthiest among us while cutting health care to the most vulnerable and massive funding for a growing police state. There is nothing in it to celebrate. 

(Oh, and this one strikes particularly close to home for us as we support our youngest child in navigating the ACA marketplace. She is a gig worker, and is among the millions of Americans whose health insurance costs are going to skyrocket in the coming months.)

It is OK to feel angry at all of this, and to feel exhausted by the drumbeat of bad news.

In the face of anger and exhaustion it is easy to feel despair and hopelessness.

Indeed, it would be strange not to feel those emotions. I’m pretty sure that’s what Jesus felt in the garden.

But our faith tells us that despair is not the end of the story. The night of weeping may be the longest night, but joy comes with the morning.

We’re living through a long, long night, but I’m trying to keep an eye on the horizon for the breaking of a new day. Nightwatch can be lonely, so let’s look for joy together.

Here are three things that are giving me joy:

• Spending time in the swimming pool with my grandbabies this week!

• Joining friends from Presbyterian Peace Fellowship singing and praying for peace and liberation for Palestine.

• Preparing for this Sunday’s worship at Pilgrims (when we’ll also share a pot-luck picnic!)

Joy brings the energy we need to work together for the future that God is calling us into. So, what’s bringing you joy right now?