Dear Church Family and Friends,
About a month ago, Eunita and I made a delightful discovery: our dog Joey makes Danalyn laugh—uncontrollably so. When Joey pounces on a toy, shakes a stuffed animal in his mouth, or chases his tail—these are all occasions for bursts of guttural guffaws. As you might expect, Danalyn’s entertainment makes for our entertainment. An additional benefit is that Joey has also proven himself to be a good distraction amid bouts of fussing and crying—Danalyn’s that is. When all else fails, I try Joey, and the results are almost always good.
I asked Eunita why she thinks Joey inspires Danalyn’s laughter, and I am in agreement with her assessment. Through the eyes of Danalyn, Joey is full of the unexpected. His antics are unpredictable. He is the unwitting clown of our household. I was recently reminded of Joey’s role in our family while reading a reflection on the Easter season that extends to Pentecost. The Easter season is a time to celebrate the unexpected and unpredictable even when the world thinks you are a fool. When one reads the headlines of violence in Middle East or in our own communities, it might seem foolish to hold out any hope for peace. Yet Easter ushers in a faith that unsettles notions of fixed realities. It allows us to think that the impossible might still be possible.
In our house, Joey is our Easter Doggie. Even when we might want to fuss with unhappiness, he keeps us on our toes with a gladness in our hearts.
Your brother in Christ,
Pastor Brooks