Christine Bryant
Times are tough – there is no denying it – both in Aotearoa and in many parts of the world.
This week we learned of the planned closure of the Wattie’s Frozen Food Factory in Christchurch – 300 jobs going, 300 families affected, also the livelihood of some 200 farmers who grow peas, beans and other vegetables for freezing.
It is the latest in a string of large business closures, including two in Tokoroa which have impacted South Waikato. Only a month ago we had the devastating rain. People in West Waikato are still coping with the aftermath of that. Local papers have also alerted us to the rising use of drugs as evidenced in the testing of wastewater. Where there is drug use, there is crime.
When these factors are added to the volatile world situation, where resolving conflict by force of arms seems to be occurring with greater frequency, our circumstances are certainly challenging. New Zealand’s distance from conflict zones might seem like a protection, but equally, our position at the end of supply chains increases our vulnerability. Unemployment, climate change, crime, armed conflict – it doesn’t seem possible to build joy into any of these.
I was thinking about all this when I watched a short video which Archbishop Justin Duckworth posted on YouTube three weeks ago. He reminds us that the first Christian message which came to Aotearoa on Christmas Day 1814 was: “Behold I bring you glad tidings of great joy”. I don’t think most New Zealanders would describe themselves as “joyful” people. Nevertheless, Archbishop Justin challenges us not to be weighed down by contemporary reality and to develop a joyful mindset.
How might we do that? For Christians, it means taking hold of the reality of God’s presence with us. We can celebrate that and find joy in it even as we experience difficult situations. The Archbishop then encourages us to consider what daily rhythms we can set up to cultivate a positive mindset. Some of these, such as daily prayer, reading the scriptures and going to church will not appeal to everyone. However, the principles behind them hold good.
Daily habits of exercise and/or meditation are proven to improve well-being. Spending time with family and friends or with a group with whom you share an interest help us all see life as a glass half-full, the point being that if we have joy, it overflows into the community and helps to build up everyone.
This struck me when I helped at the Monday community meal at St John’s recently. About 35 people come each week to share a meal. Whether they come out of loneliness, ill health or poverty, their joy at being together is obvious. The buzz of conversations over a cup of tea and dinner is infectious.
No one goes away without a smile – not even those who stay to clean up. So how could you build some joy into your life? Any of the churches would welcome you on a Sunday to share in the joy of being in God’s presence.
