Like most people, I have a tendency of accumulating things that make me happy. Last month, when I was visiting Winnipeg, I stopped by the Jets Gear store, just in case they had anything new or exciting or generally interesting that might want to come home with me… obviously, there were many things; and while most of them stayed at the store, a few things were purchased: some new stickers, a large magnet, an overpriced silicone cup, and some earrings. (Yes, I am a nerd.)
As the pre-season begins today, I’m rather excited (though in the midst of a heatwave, while the garden has yet to be harvested, thinking about hockey feels somewhat incongruous!). I enjoy watching the games: I like tracking the team players and hearing the scuttlebutt; the energy and enthusiasm as I live-text games with friends; the post-game banter when we analyse what went right (or wrong). It’s not like I have any delusions about my role in a hockey game – I can’t even skate – but a good game is a fun thing to experience.
For me, it’s fun, and energising. While I don’t get to watch every game, I do use the ones I see as a chance to rest and rejuvenate – to re-fill my cup (silicone or proverbial!).
It’s important to have these things that do recharge us; to help us stay focused on who we are. Our pastimes bring enjoyment, balance, stress relief, and connection. And when we have an outlet to keep us grounded, we can become our truest selves. Even our mementoes can keep this connection alive in our hearts and minds.
It’s not to suggest that every hobby or activity will suddenly make us feel 100%, or that we should limit ourselves to only one. But to find things that speak to our core, that address in healthy ways whatever is stirring within, can be a gift. It can enhance the joy that we already have from God, and manifest as happiness in this life.
Perhaps it is through such entertainments as this that we can re-energise our lives for and with faith – and bless the world with such as God has given us.
As Hildegard of Bingen said:
Be not lax in celebrating.
Be not lazy in the festive service of God.
Be ablaze with enthusiasm.
Let us be an alive, burning offering before the altar of God.
I was on some situational medication this week – a few tablets each day to address an unexpected ailment.
There are always side-effects… one of the meds led to drowsiness, another caused insomnia, a third affected my digestion. Blargh.
I was chatting with a friend about this; and how the effects and side-effects of things in our lives are often overlooked. And, when unexpected things happen and need to be dealt with, one of the side effects can be a less-than-grace-filled attitude.
The meds cost me money I could have spent elsewhere; though not enough to cause me financial hardship.
The unexpected trip to the doctor’s affected my plans for a while, but didn’t derail my ability to live as I normally do.
The medical side effects weren’t terribly pleasant; but nor were they awful, long-term, or irreversible.
…I could continue. The point, however, is that I can also choose to see the positives that aligned in the sequence of events and eventualities. I can access health care; I could adapt my work and leisure time to the circumstance without negative repercussion; I could address my discomfort readily; I had friends checking in on me to make sure I was okay; and on and on!
In all things, what we do has side effects and impacts. Little things that we do have the potential to have an influence on others. So how we choose to react and respond to the world around us matters. It’s not only an outlet for us to show our opinions, but our faith to the world.
And the world is definitely full of opinions right now, as the events of the week have left us all a bit raw and uneasy. Tensions are high, negativity is rampant, and the name of God and nature of faith is being invoked a LOT in the commentary.
So I pray, and try not to engage in unhelpful ways. It’s easy to slide into the noise of discord right now. Instead, I seek grace, and do my best to choose actions that will not lead to negative effects, but might instead inject a little faith and positivity into the fray.
Several of my neighbours grow sunflowers. And this is the perfect time of year for admiring them – as they stand tall, brightly coloured, as though wishing a “Good Day!” to all who wander past.
There’s more to them, though; and with plenty of analogies that we can apply to our lives.
They are resilient; their stalks bend and shift as they search for the light that they need. One plant growing in our back lane has grown over a foot sideways, along the gravel, before it could veer upward and reach the sun. One can only imagine what interactions with wildlife it encounters in that pathway (my dogs have watered it more than once!)
They bloom where they’re planted – literally; a few small seeds from last years’ garden that dropped over the fence have provided some beauty into the laneway. Unexpectedly, as this is not the best soil (it’s gravel-covered) – yet they managed to flourish where they were with the circumstances they were given.
They’re useful in many ways; from late summer solace for the bumble bees that are still around, to the seeds that provide nourishment to the birds. We also harvest those seeds for ourselves, and use them as a snack, ground into a butter, press oil, etc.
They’re also just beautiful. Their brightness extends to our eyes, and we can choose to emulate them by bringing brightness to our world. They adjust themselves to turn to the light; and while this is for their general well-being, it is also a reminder for us to turn to The Light – the light that has been gifted to us, and sustains us in this life – and promises to guide us to eternity.
I know they are only here in this format for a short time, but while they are here I am able to enjoy them, appreciate them, and learn from them. May we all find some beauty in our daily lives!
