💐Joy: Even here, even now.

Year of Breath: Sitting at the intersection of pain and joy.

How do we bear witness to the pain of this world while holding space for deep joy, too?

Sometimes, I wonder if people won’t take me seriously if I make jokes or post about silly adventures with my kids on social media. I worry they’ll assume I don’t care about the real suffering and pain of the world.

But being playful doesn’t mean we’re flippant or trivial.

Amid the world’s fires, play is a splash of cold water that keeps us going. When we play, we can hear a faint whisper: Joy is still possible.

Glimmers of joy and rhythms of rest are markers of life in Christ. If we’re called to be awake to the world and move toward suffering, we must also take time to retreat to care for our souls through rest and play.

The adults I know who are most tuned in to play are also the most empathetic people I know. Play is not ignorant. It’s necessary.

Irish teacher and poet John O’Donohue writes, “Without our ever noticing, the heart absorbs the joy of things and also their pain and care.”

Borrow this simple prayer when your heart is heavy:

May Christ be in the pain.

May Christ be in the joy.

May Christ be in every season, every story of our lives.

When we light a candle, or when the sun rises from its slumber, we witness in new ways the vivid colors all around us — colors that have existed all along, even in the shadows.

When darkness closes in, it’s easy to forget the wild kaleidoscope of hope and joy surrounding us too.

Every Season Sacred is a weekly journey through the year, featuring readings, breath prayers, scripture references, family connection questions, and family liturgies for each week of the year.

Some of the words above are from reflections in Every Season Sacred.

A Prayer for Our Kids

We pray for camaraderie

That sparks wonder and joy,

Laughter and adventure

In all the ages and stages

Of our child’s life.

from “A Prayer for a Child’s Friendship” on page 126 of To Light Their Way

Words

“The image of God as playmate shattered my over-grown-up seriousness and began to liberate the joyful child in me. I became more simple, wonder-filled, and playful.”

Sue Monk Kidd

This Week

Like every week, our Year of Breath private community below features intentional breath prayers, Scripture, reflection prompts, and a phone wallpaper/lockscreen.

Year of Breath subscribers, keep reading below for the rest of this intentional care package.