Dear Good Samaritans,

The last couple weeks there have been treefrog spottings on the playground by some of the children of our parish. Usually they have been tucked and hidden between the plastic chairs. Others, though, hide in plain sight on the bark chips. Did you know the Pacific Tree Frog can change color from brown to green? I didn’t. They camouflage really well. I’ve also seen them tucked in the

corner of the church’s siding. And, a couple times I have had one jump on my head or shoulder when I am opening the side sanctuary doors. They are little marvels, these frogs.

When I was a kid I remember the sheer delight I had when I would find a frog in my backyard. They are such fascinating little creatures with their strong legs, big eyes, and sticky little finger pads. My daughter was particularly captivated when one of them jumped on her dress and felt content to curl up and stay a while. That kiddo didn’t move a muscle the entire time the frog was on her. She was outside of time. She didn’t need to run around or snack on coffee hour treats. There was no other place she wanted to be. It was her and a frog and she was so, so happy.

When was the last time you just stopped, so deep in wonder and awe and joy? When was the last time that you focused your attention like a laser onto one thing and one thing only? Or, maybe I should say, when did you last let yourself?

We know deep down that rest, joy, and presence are vital to the human experience. Jesus even admonishes us saying, “I assure you that if you don’t turn your lives around and become like this little child, you will definitely not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3).

I think one of the evils of our society right now is this constant message that there is no time; that we must produce constantly, that we cannot stop. We are told that happiness and joy are luxuries, perhaps accessible only in retirement after you’ve ‘done your time.’

But it’s not true. Sure, there is plenty to draw our attention—economies, wars, politics, healthcare, legal issues. And, I’m not suggesting that you abandon those. But they are not everything either. And sometimes they can simply wait.

Instead, watch a kid and a tree frog. Remember finding your own frogs as a child. Find something that absolutely enthralls you. Let it. Experience it fully. Let the world stop, even briefly, and be content doing nothing. You just might encounter the Divine.

Peace,