Finding Joy: How We Sustain and Regenerate Gratitude

Rev. Judith Laxer’s inspiring message, “Invitation to Joy,” reminded me how important it is to find joy, even when just in moments (watch here - and subscribe!). While soloist Christina Brewer was singing about Joy, I looked around and saw so much joy in the room.

One thing I’ll never tire of about our community is how freely people express themselves. There’s an authenticity here that feels rare, and it’s part of what keeps me coming back.

Rev. Judith closed out our November theme of gratitude by reminding us that joy sustains gratitude, that joy actually invites gratitude in. She spoke honestly about recently falling into despair. When nothing helped, she played online solitaire, hoping for a dopamine hit.

She said everything felt wrong in the world. Any idea to make it better was met with, "Why bother?" And, when she finally moved through it, she recognized how important it is to let ourselves be in those moments, instead of pushing them away or bypassing them.

Her honesty felt familiar. I’ve had those times. That heavy place where we question whether anything we do matters, whether putting ourselves out there makes any difference at all. But I’ve learned, slowly and sometimes stubbornly, that what we do does matter. And that moving beyond “why bother” often takes intention and effort, the active work of reconnecting with meaning and purpose.

I was also reminded of a friend who, after a painful collective event several years ago, realized while playing a house concert the power in living rooms. Simple rooms where community and connection happen. That shared experience, witnessing one another, holding space for the feelings in the room, connected us. When life feels the hardest, community becomes essential. That's where joy is.

Don't let emotions steal your power.

Judith offered many insights, but something that stayed with me was, "Don't let your emotions steal your power." She also said something I’ve known all my life but still need regular reminders: absolutely nothing remains the same. Change is the way of it. This too shall pass doesn’t always feel true in the moment, and it is.

Joy is an act of regeneration.

Joy isn’t passive. We cultivate it by paying attention to the small things that spark life in us. I often remind myself to look for joy in moments, not just in milestones. Joy in the ordinary. And as Judith nudged, joy in what we see, hear, touch, taste, or feel right now.

As we move into December and our new theme of Celebration, notice the moments. Let joy regenerate something, not because everything is perfect, but because joy helps us stay connected, awake, and open to gratitude.

There is joy in this community. There is joy in the way we show up for one another. And there is joy waiting for each of us in the weeks ahead, if we’re willing to invite it in.

CORE COUNCIL UPDATE

At our November Core Council meeting on Nov. 23, we focused on setting CSL Ballard up for a strong start to the new year. We approved the monthly financial report (watch for this to be posted on bulletin board next to the downstairs office) and a preliminary 2026 budget. We're well-positioned as we look ahead, even though we have a lot to do in the months ahead to achieve some ambitious goals.

One especially meaningful update is that Rev. Michael agreed to extend his Letter of Call into 2026, even as he plans for more travel next year. This gives us continuity while we begin preparing for a formal minister search, important work that will carry us into our next chapter. We will also be hiring a new Music Director, as Amanda Byrd will be stepping down to focus on her business (but she's not going anywhere!).

Holiday events are coming together beautifully (view the calendar here), including Christmas Eve (although we’re still looking for someone to lead the post-event cookie buffet!) and the Community Connection Tree, and we approved several new community-building proposals that will help deepen connection in the year ahead.

The Council also set dates for a January community meeting (Jan. 11) and our annual meeting, March 22. Stay tuned for announcements. Overall, there’s a strong sense of momentum, possibility, and collaboration as we move toward 2026.