Tidings of Comfort & Joy, No. 2

Tidings of Comfort & Joy, No. 2

Today's #songsofcomfort offering comes from John Hay, covering Vincente Amigo's "Roma," in tribute to those in Italy and Spain in these difficult times. Remember, God so loved the world, so we want to continue to be in pray for those around the world. This pandemic is common to us all. We can take comfort in that.

I also find great comfort from the On Being podcast, with the magnificent Krista Tippett. And her conversation with the playful poet-physicist, Carlo Rovelli, entitled "All Reality Is Interaction," is just delightful and will give you chills of awe. Take comfort in knowing that our universe is structured, at the most basic level, around interaction. Rovelli says that we don't understand reality in terms of things, but rather "we understand the world as made by kisses, or things like kisses - happenings."

Jurgen Moltmann, the German theologian, I think, would agree. He argues that God as Trinity, as tri-unity, exists as community, as relationship, which is to say as interaction. And so community and relationship and interaction is built into creation.

So, really, the physicist is only confirming what we already know theologically. Or maybe our theology confirms what the physicist observes about reality? Who knows, the point is that they build on each other. Either way, reality is interaction.

And so be sure to find ways to interact during these times of anxiety. Doing so is comforting, for you and for those with whom you interact. But doing so also allows us to assert our humanity - and allows us to live into the image of our Creator.

Be sure, too, to find ways to interact with mental health professionals in the days and weeks ahead. If you already have a therapist, reach out to see what your options are. If you don't have one, you may need one in the coming weeks. There is evidence showing that quarantine and isolation leads to increased anxiety, depression, etc., so please be sure to tend to your mental health. Research has shown that phone or online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for many people with mild to moderate conditions. Learn more here. If you don't have a therapist, you can find one here. And many companies offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) that provide short-term counseling. My insurance, for example, provides up to three free sessions. We just have to call to get an authorization number first.

And be sure, too, to find joy around you. Look for joy. Seek it out. Make joy if you can't find any.

Yesterday, I shared resources from joy guru, Ingrid Fetell Lee. Today, check out her ideas about making working from home more joyful. Take care of your body, she reminds us. And be sure to get some sun and fresh air. Be intentional about what would have been your commute time - that adds up to a couple hours! Let music help with transition time. Pay special attention to your workspace: add some color, add some texture, add some smells, add some playful touches. And make snack time special.

The Metropolitan Opera is offering free Nightly Opera Streams. They'll make a new opera available each day, starting at 6:30pm. They'll be available for 20 hours. La Boheme dropped tonight. (See here for a beginners guide, if you don't know La Boheme.)

And if you're feeling in the St. Patrick's Day spirit, but are bummed about missing the parties, the Dropkick Murphys are streaming their annual concert live from Boston right now.

Oh, and Gloria Gaynor washing her hands to "I Will Survive" will bring some joy into your life.

We will survive, especially because of the healthcare workers out of the front lines. Continue to be in prayer for our missions partners at Church Health and all who are working in our city, our nation, and our world to fight this virus.

Live. Love. Laugh. Pray.