by Jennie Wintermote, Library Director
Grapes. Stroller. Crayons. Music. Did you know these are special, powerful words? At my house they are. Any one of them results in a shrieking, gleeful toddler radiating joy–pure joy. Every hour of every day has the potential for excitement, discovery, and delight in the world around us. Yet as adults, it’s so easy to forget about the day’s potential when faced with the realities of our broken world and the daily demands of work and responsibility.
What would happen if we all took a moment to stop and to look around us with eyes of wonder? God moves in the changing of seasons, in bugs and good food, in music and the embrace of a loved one. What if we looked for the beauty, the good, and responded in joy?
In the coming months, you’ll have a variety of different “special” times that might be easier to seek joy. The beginning of fall, gathering with family over the holidays, starting the new liturgical year with Advent, and the anticipation of Christ’s entrance into our world–these are all special times that invite us to shout to God with joy.
As you may have already guessed, I have resources in the library to help you look for joy and celebrate the fall season, thankfulness, Advent and more! Stop by or contact the library to send you resources via mail. 316-833-6300 or crlib@mennowdc.org
In our congregation, parents are invited to select a “life verse” for their child when they are dedicated. Our daughter’s verse is Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ” My hope is that people all over WDC will be filled with joy and peace in the coming months as we trust in our ever-present God.