Joy or Struggle or Somewhere in Between
These last few weeks have been challenging for many people. There are all the usual things of life and the stresses of the larger world. Some people are managing the stress and many are not doing as well. It has me wondering about joy.
Where are you finding joy these days? Or are you? I’m listening to the birds singing after the rain and I’m thinking that more creatures should rejoice over simple things like rain. It’s been a while since we’ve shared joy with one another.
If you are experiencing joy these days, leave a comment so the rest of us can rejoice with you. If joy feels far from you, maybe you will find encouragement as others share. If not, feel free to name what you’re struggling with and we will hold you in prayer.
It’s fully spring now. Trees are unfurling their new leaves, flowers are in bloom, birds are nesting – creation is awakening after winter. It’s a good time to remember that God is in the world even amidst the chaos, and we are invited to join in the act of creation.
Continuing in the spirit of Non-shouty, Whisper Thursday, please share whatever is on your mind. Anything from what is currently bringing you joy to whatever you are currently struggling with, and any point in between.
Let’s continue to strengthen and build community together, right here. My start is in the comments.
About Rachael Keefe
Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe is the pastor of Living Table United Church of Christ. She was called to Living Table in 2015 after serving in many varied ministry settings since her ordination in 1992. She holds graduate degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and Andover Newton Seminary at Yale (formerly Andover Newton Theological School). Her ministry and leadership often center around advocacy and accessibility. Her writing has been published by Chalice Press, The Christian Century, Red Letter Christians, Working Preacher, RevGalBlogPals, and others. She is grateful to be in ministry with Living Table today.
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I love the sounds of the birds singing after the rain; it makes me feel hopeful.
Three winters ago, when the snow was quite high, bunnies and other critters could step high enough over a fence and chewed our new crab apple tree in half! So we had it grafted and lo and behold (that’s fun to say on a church website) it has bloomed!
Char, that’s awesome! Thanks for sharing.
It’s joyful to sit inside, warm and cozy, and drink a cup of hot coffee while looking out the window at the spring rain.
Ann, I totally agree, though I drink tea 🙂
The orioles are back along with rose breasted gross beaks band oh how glorious are the yellow finches. Just how do those finch know when it is time to bring brilliance back to their feathers? And, once again I am on the ground floor and as Ann said, “sipping my coffee” while enjoying all the visitors at the feeding stations.