Shout for joy

Beach observations in late September

 
“Wah-hoo,” cries the ecstatic kid as he rides yet another wave to shore. He’s grinning from ear to ear, shouting with joy, along with the dozen or so kids riding their boogie boards at the Santa Monica shore. There are adults out there, too. Clearly having a good time, but none of them are screaming with delight. 
 
Adults, me included, can be wary of joy. Worried that it makes us seem undignified. So, we tuck it in our pockets rather than wrap it round ourselves, we walk it back rather than dance with it. We offer a wan smile while inwardly jumping for joy. But as multiple writers have said, “joy is the surest sign of the presence of God.” If our dignity stems from being created in the image and likeness of God — we ought to be clothed in joy, it ought to trail behind us like a sparkling train!  We ought to shout and leap and grin madly in the presence of our God. Who is before us, behind us, beneath us, within us. And in every wave that carries us to shore. For we are all worthy of joy!
 
Grace and peace,

Anita Sorenson
Pastor for Spiritual Formation