Reflections by Rev. Joanne Anquist

Yesterday, the US president announced huge tariffs against much of the world. The markets began a free fall early this morning. Analysts say the world’s economy may very well go into recession over these tactics.  

We did see a herculean effort this past week by Corey Booker, senator from New Jersey, to bring attention to the violations of norms and the rule of law that the American administration has engaged in, as he stood for 25 hours in the longest filibuster in American history. That was inspiring for sure.   

In the middle of all this, Canada is in election mode. The parties are fighting over who is more incompetent and releasing party platforms. One would think that would be top of mind for all of us.  I usually love politics and the intrigues of the American road show and can wax eloquently on any number of topics on any given day. 

With all this swirl of activity you'd think it would be easy to find something to catch my attention. But I confess, I've been struggling to come up with anything interesting to write this week.  “I got nothin’” as the kids say. Too much is often paralyzing.  

I know I’m not alone in my inability to react appropriately to the gravity of all that is happening. Maybe that's the point of it.  Create so much chaos that all they can do is focus on something small because it's all so overwhelming! Numbness is a friend to those who seek to upend the status quo. Rahm Emanuel, Chief of staff to Obama in his first term, famously said you never want to let a good crisis go to waste. 

I know we shouldn't look away.  An engaged electorate is how democracy is preserved - and usually I’m right there. But this week, all I can think about is Spring. I've started to think of where I'm going to take my little tent trailer in the summer. I’ve started dreaming of the walks when the ice and snow are finally off the sidewalks. I've started looking forward to the church moving to a gentle after Easter rhythm that is more manageable and gives time to dream.  

There was a point this week, when I woke up to a dump of snow, that I thought about calling in sick and just staying in bed until the temperatures warmed to at least plus 10. But alas, I’ve got people to see and places to be.  

I think it’s okay, every now and then, to narrow our focus to something manageable. We all know we can't solve the problems of the world over night. And as much as we know that we're stronger together, and that change can be made if we work in tandem, there are moments where retreat is just as important.  

So, if you're feeling overwhelmed by the news of the world, as I am, find something small to hold your gaze, at least for a little while. There is always some bit of joy that can “turn your frown upside down."  (I can’t believe I just wrote that but that’s where we are!) 

Sometime soon, (hopefully before Sunday's sermon!) I will invite the world in again. I will advocate for Justice, practice living in ways that multiply love, insist that peace is possible. But for this week, all I can think of is Spring.