Monthly Archives: February 2006

This morning I was searching my computer for a file that I couldn’t quite place.  In the scheme of things, the file was for Sunday School and not one of those “State of the Nation” papers.

As I wandered through my files, I came across some essays I have written.  Just getting out of my system what’s in my system.

In April of 2003 I created 10 statements from my reading of Exodus and Deuteronomy.  Things like this:

Numbers 21– While out wandering —  Interestingly, in the 40 years in the desert, the people were not just wandering around. They actually took over cities, conquered people, and settled in. In the end, two of the tribes found that this land was great, so they petitioned Moses to stay. This became their inheritance.  — When we feel that we have been turned aside from a great victory (entering a promised land), we may still be involved in the continuation of the conquest as wander in the wilderness.

There were other files.  I have a story on Joshua – an older man who has new neighbours move in – with two adorable children.  The family is strangely Christian, unlike other Christians he has met before.  The story goes on from there — but right now it’s still not done!

At the same time as I’m looking over my files, my wife and I start discussing an article in the Times (of London, of course) on people changing how they spend their money, moving from possessions to experience (via). 

I started to stretch the thought.  Church people are affected by the “experience” culture we live in.  In one sense, people used to come to church for the product, the dogma, the theology that was the structure (possession) we wanted for our lives.  Unfortunately many people figured as long as they had the “possession”, they were home free!  No need for a church or the experience of working together as Christians. 

Now most people want to come to church for relationships (experience).  The journey is important and the “possessions” you pick up along the way are insignificant, not as important as the sense of an experience of God.  In fact, you can walk out of the mall of life without picking up any “possessions”, as long as you have a good life and identify with a group of people who are “like-minded”.

Which begs the question —  

Do experience and theology have to intersect for most people today?  Have we now moved to both a “churchless” faith, and a “contentless” faith?  Is that really any faith at all??

I started the day with three other ministerial people.  At -30 or so, and some coming from out of town, I wasn’t surprised that the usual 10 or so were not there!  Next month we inherit a new pastor at the Lutheran church.

Then off to the church to write a sermon and clean up my bookshelves.  Touched base with two of our parishioners who have cancer. 

The evening held a premarital session – Jill and I do this together.  We start with a meal with the engaged couple.  Then our discussions flow naturally into the topic for the evening.  Somehow the camaraderie and ability to just talk really lets us examine the topics and get the couple thinking.

As they left, the temperature is once again down to -31.

The day may be freezing but the opportunity for relationships has been warm.

We got the word!

Our son left to work on a cruise ship in mid-July.  He has finished his contract and arrives home on Saturday.

At 11:35 – at night – like, around midnight.  Right when all good parents should be in bed.

His flight comes in to Saskatoon.  A two hour drive.  Best done during the day when you are awake.  When the sun is shining.  And the temperature is above zero.

Not like tonight.  The forecast is calling for -51 windchill.  Of course, you have to step outside and get into the wind to get the chill.  Around here we call it the “big chill.”

So, since we have missed winter this year, maybe I’ll get up in the middle of the night and experience winter.

NOT!!

In 1972 I encountered a young 19 year old.  She was just a slight wisp — a refreshing breeze that could easily have been missed, but once you saw her you’d never miss her again!

She carried herself with determination.  Her friends were loyal, for she was loyal.  Her home was more than 2000 kilometers away but she was all there, wherever “there” was.

Her blond head bobbed up and down hallways I frequently daily.  My total distraction with her blossomed the following year.  We began to “see” each other – rather innocently at first.  Then more devotedly.  We married in 1976.

This past fall, we examined our wedding pictures. 

I’d forgotten how fashion changes over three decades.  Light brown tuxedos are no longer the rage.  The bridesmaids’ and the wedding dress flow in the breeze creating what I consider to be one of the most stunning photographs I have ever seen!  On closer examination I find my breath most taken by the one who covenanted to remain with me for life.

Now we are sailing in our 30th year of marriage.  The breezes have sometimes been a little rough  –some days the water has threatened to wash away the good timber that is the foundation of our life together. 

Those days are fewer these days!  There is a comfort to the ship that makes lounging on deck easy and refreshing.  The creaking we hear is just an assurance that we’ve stood the storms.  Our weathered condition is a sign of good construction!  And the map of the years allows us to steer into calming waters instead of always heading into hurricanes.

I write this to a great wife! 

To a great lover I give thanks for a safe place where all of me is linked to all of you, and we two are truly one!  To a stimulating thinker, reader and engaging conversationalist, I give thanks for the shores of sanity you constantly expose.  To one whose creativity composes music and food with equal enthusiasm, your ability to tap into God’s deep soul of creation never ceases to amaze me. 

To my best friend – Happy Valentine’s day!!