And just like that, it’s April, with hopeful cups of crocus opening to catch some sunshine, bright yellow aconite in the Memorial Garden, and small blue scilla siberica beginning to carpet the ground at Steinmetz park.

This month we’ll explore what we might be literally or metaphorically planting now to inspire and create joy. Even when there are situations and events that are heartbreaking and infuriating, joy can be found. Joy isn’t something to save for later… Joy can help us right now! Joy is only limited by us. When we feel joy, we can spread joy and then joy grows! Even when things do not feel joyful- because often two things can be true at once- look for the joy. Still call elected officials to tell them what matters to you and what to resist, to fix, etc. And still, find a little joy-like sending an email or text or card to say thank you to someone or take a photo of something beautiful and share it with others. We need to stay connected to joy so we don’t end up like the folks who are so miserable they fire national park staff and decimate education and are literally erasing people of color, women, and lgbtq+ folks from websites and military service. We need to find joy, make joy, spread joy, and ENJOY resisting!

in faith, with hope, and with joy

Rev. Wendy & Rev. Lynn