“We hold the key to
lasting happiness in our own hands. For it is not joy that makes us grateful; it
is gratitude that makes us joyful.” —Brother
David Steindl-Rast
Above is a favorite quote
that has adorned my refrigerator for years. Over the years the practice of gratitude
has served me well. However, as the concept of gratitude’s value became
mainstream it has almost become something to accomplish. Like our daily steps,
“gratitudes” are now something we count—a mindful way to increase our happiness
quotient. Fortunately, I recently began
to add Krista Tippet’s “On Being Podcasts” to my gratitude practice. Krista’s
interview with Ross Gay and their discussion of his Book of Delights has inspired me to begin looking for delights.
Delight is something that
surprises. Delight incites glee. One smiles with delight and perhaps even giggles.
Delight is fun. Delight is life affirming.
On August 11th, we
attended the memorial service of Charlotte Peterson, our daughter-in-law’s
grandmother. Delight was not expected, however it was found.
The piano itself was
beautiful and the pianist was talented. From the podium in the church sanctuary
Charlotte’s granddaughter Jessica used the word “kickass” as a descriptor for
her grandma. (Jessica credits Charlotte for teaching her sassy is acceptable.)
The most surprising delight
was the minister’s use of a one of my least liked scriptures. (Several passages
in the bible have God’s messengers messing up the Message! This one with the
Canaanite woman is especially troubling since the messenger is Jesus.) When Matthew
15:21-28 was read I may have actually shaken my head in dismay. And, when the
minister took the podium to begin the eulogy he admitted the choice also confused
his secretary. (She even called to make
sure he was not the one confused.) The minister smiled. He had chosen this
passage specifically for Charlotte who was the definition of tenacious when it
came to the welfare of her family.
The minister went on to
present a new-to-me view of this biblical passage where Jesus tells a woman that
his ministry was not for her—going so far as to compare her to a dog to which
he would not throw away good food. The Canaanite woman held firm. “Even a dog
gets table scraps,” she said. And, thankfully, Jesus lived up to his calling.
My new synopsis: An outsider—a female outsider no less—stood
up to having-a-bad-day Jesus and invited him to live up to his “The greatest of
these is LOVE” message. I was delighted to take a new look at a scripture I’d trashed
and at the same time learn more about my strong daughter-in-law’s feminist/womanist
grandma.
