Joy Is Not Made To Be a Crumb
Alicia Reese
May 2, 2023

Yesterday evening, our monthly deacon meeting was opened with a time of devotion by Jackie Eckholm, who shared the following poem by Mary Oliver titled “Don’t Hesitate.” 

If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. 
Give in to it. 
There are plenty of lives and whole towns destroyed or about to be. 
We are not wise, and not very often kind.  
And much can never be redeemed. 
Still, life has some possibility left. 
Perhaps this is its way of fighting back, 
That sometimes something happens better than all the riches or power in the world. 
It could be anything, but very likely you notice it in the instant when love begins. 
Anyway, that’s often the case. 
Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid of its plenty.  
Joy is not made to be a crumb. 

That last line resonated with me…Joy is not made to be a crumb. 

Joy is meant to be a large loaf of bread. There is love and joy in the kneading, the baking, and the sharing of it with others, in the breaking of the bread, in the large chunks ripped off and savored together. This calls to mind, for me, celebrating the sacrament of communion. It is a hopeful and joyful meal. It is a meal of abundance, of grace, meant to be shared widely.  

Mary Oliver tells us that when we do feel joy, we should give in to it, indulge in it! Let the seemingly small and unexpected joys that take you by surprise fill you up to the point where you overflow, and you end up spilling joy on those around you.   

There is so much in life we cannot control, but the decision to lean into, to indulge in the joys of our lives, is ours to make, it is ours to share.  

I was thankful for this reminder yesterday, and the tone of joy that it set for our deacon meeting. I am thankful for this reminder today, as I write this to you. And I am thankful that we are gifted with this reminder each and every time we celebrate communion, which as it happens, we will do again this coming Sunday.  

Indulge in the joys of your life. Let your joy be like a loaf of bread with the ability to feed 5,000. Let your joy beget more joy through the sharing of it with others. 

Amen.  
Scam Text and Emails Are (Unfortunately) Back
It has come to our attention that, once again, someone is impersonating our pastors by text asking for a "quiet favor" or "confidential favor" and directing the recipient to reply only by text. These texts are scams. Do not respond.

When evaluating communications from any pastor or staff member, please know the following:

  • We will always email you from a "@firstunitedoakpark.com" email address.
  • We will never direct the manner in which you should respond to us (i.e., we will never tell you not to call us but only to respond by text or email)
  • If we need to speak with you on an emergency basis or require your assistance quickly, we will call you AND, if we don't reach you, we'll leave a message. You will be able to hear our voices.

Always feel free to call the church office to confirm if a communication is real if you have any doubts at all.