I’ve been thinking a lot lately about looking for the joy in situations—especially where there seems little joy to find. It seems to help me, seeking out, not the positive exactly, but the worthwhile and meaningfulness in everyday things that are just what I do.
The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims God’s handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world. (Ps. 19.1-4, NRSV)
This is one of my favorite passages from the psalms, the words of the speechless and the voice of the voiceless shouting out God’s glory—what is purposeful, healthy, joy-filled, worthwhile, meaningful, etc.
Today wasn’t full of a great deal of activity, but it was full of some meaningful moments. Maybe they weren’t terribly full of glory in a magnificent sense, but nonetheless. A group I led made some decisions that will bring meaning and happiness to a child in need. I had a good conversation with someone facing a painful future. I spoke for courage for another who may need to make some difficult decisions. I learned that I am appreciated by people whose lives I have touched. I resolved some financial issues in the short-term.
One of the things that I enjoy about being a pastor is bringing words out of a wordless situation—expressing memories, probing for hope, sharing my own experiences out of a desire to connect. My hope is that I can share something worthwhile in my life—not big or import, just something with meaning.
