Double Yay Day (A Pre-Tariffs Blessing)

 Give me some trees and some sunshine, and suddenly winter doesn't feel quite so tedious.

As I've mentioned before, I'm exploring the trails in our new neighbourhood, and since yesterday just begged for some fresh air, I headed up further towards the trees.  Was not disappointed.  

I love that all of this is so close to home.

And then today.  January 31st.  The end to what many feel is the longest month of the year.  And also today is Friday.  And while the weather forecast doesn't look quite so bright, and I'm not likely to get out walking, there's something to be said for a day of double yay.

It's important to do this, I think, right now.  Right now in the grip of winter.  Right now as world politics seem a little more threatening, specifically to Canada, than usual.  Tomorrow could herald another blow against the economy.  Where things are thin, they're about to get thinner.  Even folks like me who try to 'stay out of' politics are reminded that none of us really can.  

The double sting of it, though, is even as we do engage, read the news, try to form reasoned opinions, there is so much that feels like we're trying to make sense of senseless rhetoric.  Personally, I am doing some deliberately 'other-winged' reading for the expressed purpose of making sure I can still listen to the voices of those who believe differently than me on just a whole range of topics.  Heaven forbid I become deaf to someone just because they espouse opposing political, philosophical, or religious views.

But I am no politician.  Godspeed to those who enter that particular fray with sincere hearts to bring about the change that better protects the oppressed and vulnerable, which is always God's priority, at least as I read it.  We pray wisdom and strength and patience and tenacity over you.  

But when I bring it down to where my own feet hit the pavement, when I need the grounding of focus, I don't have to go too far to find the orientation of spirit that comes from well placed hope.

Love how the psalmist compares it to the comfort of a small child in their mother's lap.

"My heart is not proud, LORD,

my eyes not haughty;

I do not concern myself with great matters

or things too wonderful (over my head) for me.

But I have calmed and quieted myself,

I am like a weaned child with its mother;

like a weaned child I am content.

Israel (people of God), put your hope in the LORD

both now and forevermore."

Psalm 131:1-3

So I will yay the day.  Double yay.

And tomorrow, come what may,

from whomever it comes,

they are not in charge.

And I can be a calmed and quieted agent of change

right here in my own 'neighbourhood' of hope.

Happy Friday, everyone.

Happy last day of January.

Wherever this day takes you, 

may you receive and give away all manner of goodness.