A friend posted the following quote on Facebook, identified only as coming from the Celtic Christian Tradition.
Choose Joy!
Don’t wait for things to get easier,
simpler,
better.
Life will always be complicated. Learn to be happy right now.
Otherwise, you’ll run out of time.
The prophet Jeremiah, writing to his people struggling with the isolation, losses and grief of exile, called them to settle in where they were, to get married, have children, and make the best of their present situation, for even in it, God has great plans for them. (Jer. 29)
In our time of isolation, and limited opportunities, I have been encouraged and given hope by the examples of people who find life, blessing and opportunity even now.
They are not just waiting for it to be over, or lamenting all the things that we are missing, but managing to make the best of what we have here and now, and even finding joy in it. They are noticing on their daily walk the spring flowering of the trees and the birds’ songs in the air, finding creative new projects and activities for the children to enjoy, sharing recipes online, delivering groceries to an elderly neighbour, exploring ways to make music together through the wonders of the internet.
Jeremiah calls us to find opportunities to serve, discover and create – to choose joy, and to find blessing in the choosing.
Wishing you grace and peace,
Revs. Bob and Helen Smith
Originally posted in the May 23, 2020, edition of Tidbits.