A couple of decades ago, my colleagues invited me to make a presentation to our ministers’ chapter on the topic of Joy. They recognized me as someone who has joy. I couldn’t figure out how to talk about something that was so innate and natural for me, so I declined. That was probably the wrong decision. I went to the ministers’ retreat and listened to someone else present some bumbling, and quite frankly, depressing thoughts about joy. It made me wonder if we can instruct each other in joy. Why not? We instruct and encourage each other in everything else.
Our Buddhist Study Group, Gathering Waters Sangha, is reading and discussing The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama. In April 2015, Archbishop Tutu traveled to the Dalai Lama’s home in India to celebrate his 80th birthday and spend five days together reflecting on the question “how do we find joy in the face of life’s inevitable suffering?” The book shares their stories and daily joy practices. The practices focus on cultivating joy and overcoming the obstacles to joy.
I think one of the reasons people have trouble talking about or accessing joy is because we think joy and suffering cannot coexist, but of course they do. We don’t diminish one by feeling the other. What brings you joy? If it doesn’t hurt other beings, it’s OK to practice it. If you’d like to try something new to access joy, consider coming to Laughing Yoga on April 6, offered by one of our church members (see details on another page).
You, First Church community, are one of the primary joys in my life. Let’s be sure to honor joy in each other as we move through the transition of my retirement and anticipate the arrival of your new Acting Assistant Minister in August. If you haven’t already, please mark your calendars for my retirement party on Friday afternoon, May 30, and drop by for some relaxed social time 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at an off-site location, TBD. We’ll also be together for my last worship service in our beloved sanctuary on June 1 for the UU Flower Ceremony and a retirement ritual of release.
Yours, for a few more months,
Rev. Dena
Rev. Dena McPhetres, Associate Minister