“This January has been the longest year ever!” A comically dark comment being made on many social

media platforms recently following the new administration in Washington, the executive orders, the ICE

raids, the tariff wars, and dismantling of the DEI efforts. And we may be in February, just barely, but….I

must admit that I’m often finding myself audibly sighing loudly followed by a similar sentiment – this

January has been the longest year ever!

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If we continue with our Epiphany theme on Sunday mornings, Our Continual Act of Creating, then we

should muster up the strength of character, despite the troubling times we are in, to recognize the

moments and opportunities when we can create something good, or at least see where good is being

revealed in creative ways around us. My youngest son’s basketball games are typically on Sundays when

I am in the desert. So, I have only been able to make it to two games this season. Luckily, I was able to

make it back home in time to see him play this past Sunday.

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I saw how his skill and form have developed since last season, and how his determination and

commitment throughout the off season to better himself has paid off. I was so fortunate to witness a

moment of creating good when he and two of his teammates were sitting on the bench as they had

been switched out for the period. These three guys, were laughing with each other, enjoying each

other’s company and the love of the game. They know things are bad in our world, but they were able to

set that aside and be part of the good that they themselves created. And I know they can and will

continually create this good all season.

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I walked away from that game so proud and yet so humbled. My child taught me how to be so fully

present to the moment and to others, that the fun that occurred was an incredible inevitability. Being

present to one another, sharing laughter or tears, comforting one another despite, or maybe in spite of

the negativity shows that creating good is just that easy and that God can be in the midst of it all. And,

that everyone can do this, and that we all should be taking on this play straight out of their playbook.

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Nothing but net!

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