First UCC Richmond

How Perfectly
                                 by Mary Oliver

                                                                        How perfectly
                                                                           And neatly
                                                                              Opens the pink rose

                                                                        this bright morning
                                                                           the sun warm
                                                                               on my shoulders,

                                                                        its heat
                                                                           on the opening petals.
                                                                                Possibly

                                                                       It is the smallest,
                                                                          the least important event
                                                                                at this moment

                                                                       in the whole world.
                                                                          Yet I stand there
                                                                              utterly happy.

If this poem speaks to your soul, then I think you are in sync with the turning of the world around these parts as spring gives way to summer. I pray that your summer is full of such moments – some perhaps because of your good work in the garden and many others just because of Pure Grace. Or maybe your utterly happy time will be at the ball field as your growing children or grandchildren (or the Tigers) play the game. Or maybe you will find yourself happy around the backyard BBQ or campfire. Or up North or at the Lake. Or some quiet mornings with birdsong, breeze and Bible (or some other good book). I hope there are plenty of summer moments when you realize that you are utterly happy.

Once someone asked if there was anything that consoled me. The question made me laugh out loud, and I think it surprised the questioner. (I had been so serious - even seriously sad - for some time.) The word “console” is consoling in itself. The prefix “con” always means “with.” When we are con-soled we know that our souls are not alone. I laughed because, actually, I am so easily consoled. All I need do is look up at the sky. Or listen to birdsong. Or watch waves lapping the shore. Or sit alongside freshwater running over rocks or drifting around a bend. Or notice the tiny plant pushing up through soil. Or the sudden burst of roses abloom. Did I actually appear as someone who is not consoled (much less, not-amazed and not-grateful) by the gifts that are all around? Apparently so.

It woke me up.

We human beings are made to be happy in our souls. It doesn’t mean that we won’t have to suffer great losses. And our utter happiness, as it turns out, is not the most important thing in the world. And yet, imagine how the world would be changed if we humans lived amazed and grateful for the gifts all around us. What if we enjoyed our joy? And what if we believed with our whole hearts that every human being is made for joy? People near and people far. People of every origin, color, class, persuasion, faith, age, shape and ability. All of us human beings are made for joy.

What consoles you? When are you amazed? When are you grateful? Do you let it show? Have you ever asked the people who are closest to you what consoles them? There are so many reasons to be utterly happy. There are so many reasons to give thanks.

Blessed Summer!

Pastor Denise

Pastor Denise’s Office Hours and Pastoral Care

I plan my week to be in Richmond on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. It’s possible that the days may move a bit as I respond to various needs that arise, but for the most part, that’s when I’ll be in town. If possible, please plan for committees to meet on one of those days or evenings. Thanks so much!

If there are situations that arise in which you’d like pastoral care, please call to let me know. In the old days, hospitals and rehab/nursing facilities used to inform pastors when one of their flock was admitted. That doesn’t happen anymore.

You can reach me directly by calling my cell phone—630-297-1740 or call the church office and leave a message with Helen or on the answering machine. I’m always happy to receive your calls.

Pastor Denise