August 4, 2021 Weekly Update
Someone recently introduced me to the term “Angry August.” I’ve never heard of it before, and I didn’t know what it meant until it was explained to me. ‘Angry August’ is a term that describes the burnout tourism and service workers feel about their work as the summer tourism boom churns into August. They are tired of answering the same questions and dealing with the same “types” of people. They’ve been in the sun or on their feet – working extra shifts or extra jobs just to keep work going or keep their bills paid. August hits, and it’s been non-stop for weeks, and something inside just starts to get angry, disgruntled, frustrated, and weary. “Is it Labor Day yet?” we might ask.
I think there’s anger bubbling up in our community and country, too. Anger at the unvaccinated whose choices have allowed the Delta variant to flourish and keep all of us in this pandemic. Locals feel some anger about the changing landscape of the valley. Workers and business owners feel anger about the difficult spot they find themselves in, unable to find enough help and working overtime just to keep shelves stocked and customers happy. Tourists and visitors are a little angry that there’s so much smoke in the valley and every restaurant has a long wait with little help. Home buyers are angry that their dreams of home ownership feel like a lost cause as every home has multiple bids and offers.
There’s a lot to feel rightfully angry and frustrated about. We all feel it in diverse ways. As Christians, we know that God can and does get angry. But what’s different about God’s anger? God’s anger is a righteous anger. It’s an anger that bubbles up because of injustice, oppression, abuse, and disobedience to being a faithful community of God’s people. It’s an anger felt because of the pain of another. And it’s an anger that is motivated to right the wrongs and cultivate justice and peace.
So if you find yourself having an “Angry August” moment, take a deep breath, and feel your anger. Then reflect and ask, “Is this Godly anger? And what can I, or my church, do about it?”
Blessings,
Pastor Jared