J is for Joy.

This emphasis, that the key to our responsibility in trying times might be found in our own personal passions and proclivities, our own gifts and yes, joys, reminded me of a gem found in church history/theology. In the dusty old  Westminster Catechism (part of our shared heritage from the Congregational/UCC side of our First Parish history), the first question posed is a big one: “What is the chief end of (hu)mankind?” In other words, What’s our purpose? What’s the point? What’s it all about, Charlie Brown?

The answer? “To glorify God and enjoy God forever.” Elegantly simple. But anything but easy.

The world offers all kinds of ready-and-waiting off-ramps from this central task of glorifying Sacred goodness and enjoying this life. There are the dead ends of despair and overwhelm, the loop-de-loops of worry and distraction, and the rocket ships to anger.

But isn’t the best thing you could do (to help the world, your neighbors, yourself) the thing you actually will do? And isn’t that likely to be something that ignites joy? Joy, it turns out, is a lot like sunlight. It shines from beyond any one of us, radiates outward and just keeps on reflecting. And wow, what an energy source!

As summer rounds the corner,  we invite you to practice following your joy, not just as an escape from the all too real suffering in the world, but as marching orders. Take a cue from the poet Ross Gay and be on the lookout for delights. Seize every juicy opportunity to glorify and enjoy.

Give one of our wider array of summer offerings here at FPL a try (like: a new Summer Solstice circle! Services at home and beyond! Yoga and other nourishing offerings!)… And/or… let things go into soft focus for a bit, knowing that the compass of joy will guide you.

We are so grateful to all our church leaders and staff for another amazing program year of nurturing spirit, building community, and pursuing justice. See you soon in June, and/or again in the fall!

In defiant joy,
Kit & Nate