May 2022 Newsletter

Hello all!

It is what feels like the first nice day of spring this year! I was able to take a walk early this morning, so wonderful. It is amazing how the weather can affect our moods. At the store, out and about, people seem happier, moving more slowly, with more careful intention. As I am thinking about weather and mood, the word “ambiance” comes to mind.

According to the dictionary ambiance means: “the character and atmosphere of a place.” Perhaps ambiance is not the correct word, but I think good weather can create a better character or atmosphere around us.

This got me to thinking about how our own moods and motivations help to create the ambiance around us. If we are worried and irritable does that affect the space around us? If we are at peace and gracious does that create a better ambiance for those we interact with? I think it does.

The resurrected Jesus comes into a locked room where his disciples are gathered in fear and disarray after his death and supposed resurrection. He appears to them saying, “Peace, Peace.” He breathes on them and offers to them the Holy Spirit. That changes the ambiance of the space — the character and atmosphere of that locked room. It changes from a space of fear and confusion to a space of joy and hopefulness.

Let us consider our own moods and motivations. Yes, we are going to have grumpy days, but we can be intentional about ambiance. We can try our best to offer into the spaces we find ourselves, a peace and graciousness. It may help to imagine Jesus telling us: “Peace, God.” It may help to take a deep breath and sense that Ruach El, that Breath of the Holy, that Jesus breathed upon his disciples. Let that breath transform our crabbiness into something better for the ambiance around us.

Deep breaths, doses of sunshine, a closeness with Christ. All good. Let us enjoy the sunny day!