INSPIRASUNS

Yesterday during our weekly team meeting we had a little fun with our Rector. Yes, it was April Fool’s Day, and though I’m usually not a fan of jokes commemorating this day, one of my team members had put some thought into one that was harmless. For the approximately two minutes it took for the joke to play out before she revealed, “April Fool’s”, it was fun to watch expressions around the room. My coworker had clued in just a few of us to what she was going to do during the meeting, and I think that actually worked because many around the table were watching expressions not sure how to react.

We have a women’s luncheon coming up at the end of the month. Members from our local Police K-9 Unit are coming to share information about “Max” a golden retriever trained in crisis care, and “Tessa”, a black lab specializing in explosives and firearms detection. Oh and yes, Max and Tessa are coming to the luncheon. Yeah, I’m looking forward to it.

During our meeting yesterday, my coworker reminded everyone of the upcoming luncheon and then, not missing a beat, commented on how we’ve extended the invitation for attendees of the event to bring their own dogs to enjoy the presentation. Right on cue, those of us “in the know” chimed in and agreed with the idea, with one of the clergy even mentioning that he was planning to bring his pup 🙂 . As we all looked to our Rector to gauge his response, he looked around the table not quite sure how to respond. You could see him pondering all of the animals in our parish and the possible scenarios that could occur. He rubbed his brow a little and just as he tried to muster a response, my coworker gently mentioned, “April Fool’s”.

The room burst into laughter, including our Rector. He laughed so hard he laid his head on the table trying to compose himself. It was much needed actually, the laughter around the room, and I wish I had taken a picture of it. We had a busy weekend and were all still a little tired, we’re prepping for Holy Week coming up and juggling several balls in the air right now. It was wonderful to all laugh together. It really does heal, laughter I mean.

As I think about yesterday, I realize how, in the face of the unknown, it’s all about how we handle the situation. We can choose to jump to conclusions, go down rabbit holes, and think the worst, or we can pause, ask questions, and try to understand more clearly what is occurring. And…more importantly, we can lean not on our understanding, but we can lean on Father for guidance. We can face what comes our way with grace and humility knowing that in the end, our Lord will guide us through. And…when we get to the other side, we might just find joy and laughter.

Yes, friends, things will happen in this life that are out of our control. Lean into Father, accept His love and strength push through to the other side. Along the way, find the joy and laughter that can heal the soul.

Have a great day friends!

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.