Horizons: January/February 2022

Laughing? Singing? Two years into a global pandemic, the encouragement to laugh and sing might seem, well, laughable. Even before Covid-19, it wasn’t easy to remain joyous when injustice, natural disaster and our mortal nature mean we’ll never have enough days with those we love in the world we love.

Just because it’s not easy doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Perhaps you saw images online or in your church of pew signage to enforce social distancing? Inspired by Jeremiah 29:13, witty church staffers posted signs that read “‘When you seek me, you will find me . . . .’ Just not in this pew. Keep seeking.” Depending on your sensibilities, that may inspire an eyeroll rather than a laugh. Even if the joke didn’t land for you, it’s heartening to know that someone realized a big X or “STOP” would feel bleak and used their humor and knowledge of scripture to try to bring some levity.

That “Let’s do what we can” outlook feels rather timely given the last issue of Horizons. And of course, it’s a pervasive spirit in Presbyterian Women. As each new day dawns, will we lament who or what we are missing? Or will we focus on what we still have? Or better yet, can we take a moment to acknowledge what we lack and then draw on our varied gifts to fill that gap? In this issue, contributors explore the ways that song and humor can enrich our lives, our worship and even our understanding of God. Whether through adding inclusive language to hymns, embracing our creativity, celebrating underappreciated stories or images, the creative force behind humor and song is a gift God wants us to use.

Presbyterian women know that God graciously and generously blesses us every day. That alone is enough reason to sing God’s praises. Knowing that we can faithfully respond to God by using our gifts for the benefit of God’s creation is a cause for glee.