Dag Hammarskjold on life issues!

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A decade ago I received a present from a friend, Randy Friesen (surgeon, not to be mistaken for Randall Friesen, pastor and also a friend).  The book was called “Markings” written by Dag Hammarkjold, former secretary general of the United Nations.

Every once in a while I return to these short, pithy statements.  This is really a journal Dag kept over a number of years.  Today I was looking at some things he said when he was around my age.

Try this one out for Christmas eve thinking (written 12.24.60) — “How proper it is that Christmas should follow Advent.  For him who looks towards the future, the Manger is situated on Golgatha, and the Cross has already been raised in Bethlehem.” 

Or, from page 91 — “I am the vessel.  The draught is God’s.  And God is the thirsty one.  —  In the last analysis, what does the word “sacrifice” mean?  Or even the word “gift”?  He who has nothing can give nothing. The gift is God’s — to God.”

Let’s move back to when Dag was around 20 – 25 years of age.

“Never look down to test the ground before taking your next step:  only he who keeps his eye fixed o nthe far horizon will find his right road. — Never measure the geight of a mountain, until you have reached the top.  Then you will see how low it was. — Life only demands from you the strength you possess.  Only one feat is possible – not to have run away.”  (p. 7-8)

The Christmas program that was!

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Today our children and  youth ran a Christmas program.  Music (with a brass band!), drama, scripture reading and even a meal!  Here is just one picture from a myriad of audio and visual landscapes!

Passwords

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 My memory is not what it used to be!

I was praying for someone this past week and forgot their name.  I used all sorts of other adjectives to describe them in the prayer.  They appreciated my talk with God!   And God knows who I was talking about!!

So, I’m updating areas where I might forget!  Things like passwords for online banking and blog site access (if you aren’t reading this, I’ve forgotten my password).  I’ve stored them away so my wife can find them — it I die, or get burnt out, or simply forget.  Now all I need to do is remember to tell her where I put them!

Here’s to memory!

Four out of five!

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Tonight was the fourth meal this week.  They have all been good.  If I were to rate them, I would surely get in to trouble!!

Was it the chicken cordon bleu?  Or the Japanese cuisine?  Or the marvelous casserole with pickled beets?  Or maybe — just maybe — it was my favourite, hot dogs!!

Each meal has had its theme, and all bring me back to Christmas.  The small group who are working through a study together, the seniors who enjoy and cherish the traditions of Christmas, the Grades 5-7 who just enjoy life and birthdays, and the high school students who caught a glimpse of another culture’s approach to Christmas.

Here is the eager crowd for tonight’s gathering — a Japanese dinner seated on the floor and using chop sticks.  I have a new appreciation for knees and wooden dowels!