May we have a time of grace and experience the goodness of God’s sabbath!

The word used for “training” a child uses the same word as an archer learning to shoot his bow.  Each bow, in the days of the writer of Proverbs, was unique.  Each bow had its own qualities and strengths.  The archer had to learn how to use that bow effectively.  When he switched to another bow, he had to shift his approach.

This verse actually talks about making sure you know your child thoroughly.  To train up a child is to understand them well.  They are different than other children we may have.  What works for one doesn’t work for another.   This is more about learning who your child is compared to figuring one size of “teaching and training” fits all!

Which begs from each of us the question, “Am I listening, observing and caring about each child I deal with?”

The preparation materials have been interesting – pointing out that there is a problem.  At one point, they mention that overly stressing this point makes teens think this is alright – everyone else is doing it.  Other points include the fact that parents do hold a large place of influence in a youth’s life.

Those attending are expected to be front end personnel.  Those who deal directly with abuse in our society. 

As I say – should be interesting.  There will, I’m sure be much discussion.  The same discussion we have had a number of times in this community.  I wonder what points of action we will be able to implement today?

Cooks can tell you about Corning Ware.  Their casserole dishes have populated our cupboards over the years. 

So, I was interested when Corning put out a video of the future.  How would glass be used?  What would capture a new market that wasn’t already theirs?  Makes  you want to rethink how you do the passions of your life in new ways!

Well, here it is!  Check out this Corning Youtube concept video.

Today’s supper is a case in point.  I grew up in a meat and potatoes home.  And I rather enjoyed that.  We added bread to the mix, sopped up the gravy and had a few vegetables.

Decades later I enjoyed tonight a salmon steak, a uniquely delicious cabbage salad, raised buns and delectable squash.  All tastefully seasoned.

As I step onto the scale tonight I recognize that my weight reflects a wholesome meal.  One which provides nourishment and light heartedness.  Not a bad thing.

I still crave the meat and potatoes every once in a while, but I’m quite satisfied with a newness of life found in the food I eat!

Such was today – suited definitely for my day off.

Along with a day where I redirected much of my thinking from “regular work”.  I worked on doing “editor” things – taking writing and rearranging the words.  This is to me a great diversion and enjoyment.  My day was enhanced by the opportunity.

And sitting with my wife watching some enjoyable entertainment.  No rush to be somewhere.  No phone calls to return.  No emails to contend with.  Just sitting!

Tomorrow I’m back to the activity.  Enjoyable but constant.  For another week.  And then a festival – or as we call it – “Pastor’s Retreat.”  Seems a bit like the rhythm of the Jewish calendar.  Not a bad calendar to consider!

For years we just lived with the winter.  Perhaps a bit depressed, perhaps a bit slower than usual.

But now we are told that replacing our vitamin D will improve our winter life.  Perhaps we will be rising earlier, with greater verve to take on the day.

I hope so.  I’ve gotten rather lethargic.  And now it is time to revitalize that daily routine from light to dark – and perhaps to even find my way more clearly in the dark!

Just a short ways out of town was a small pond.  Nothing unusual.  Nothing out of the ordinary.  Just a skim of water over the newly unfrozen soil. 

But what I really enjoyed was the music.  The frogs were loudly voicing their presence.  The harmonies were a precursor to opportunities in the future of singing and harmonizing. 

And then you would spy a tadpole swimming towards a metamorphosis.

That’s the life of spring!  Soon to appear!

Which has made me ask the question.  Where lives the frog in the middle of January??

By cycles, I mean those times when my forward motion – meaning the rush ahead to fulfil various visions and dreams – are interrupted by the need for the treat of rest and replenishment (what is often called a re-treat). 

Today was a retreat day.  Not that I stopped my activities altogether.  Rather, I went slowly into the work and extracted myself from an end of the day commitment (moving that to another time – which is actually better for both parties!). 

And now I’m at home, writing this blog and resting. 

And fully expecting tomorrow to be back to the tasks at hand.  With joy and excitement for what is to come.  There are so many great opportunities that I don’t want to miss any!!