Monthly Archives: October 2008

Our local library’s booksale is on.  At the local mall, locals wander by the global display of literacy.  There are books on cooking, and books on romance, and books on travel, and books for kids, and books that span the ages.

I like Dilbert and B.C. comic books.  So I picked them up.  They are a quick read and bring a smile to my face.

I also like C.S. Lewis.  Today I saw his book on “The Problem of Pain.”  I’ve heard of this book, read reviews and even quotes.  Now I have the actual manuscript (as do thousands of others who purchased the paperback).

In one of those pick and point approaches, I opened the book to the following quote.

My own idea, for what it is worth, is that all sadness that is not arising from the repentance of a concrete sin and hastening towards concrete amendment or restitution, or else arising from pity and hastening to active assistance, is simply bad; and I think we all sin by needlessly disobeying the apostolic injunction to “rejoice”as much as by anything else  (55)

A taste of one day off was good.  Thanksgiving Monday was enjoyable. 

Before we head into the weekend – and the busyness thereof – I’ll take another day.  I’m finding my days are becoming a little too long, and the amount of responsibilities too many.  In search of balance I’ve been taking time to consider my own busyness. 

One of the things suggested by others is hallowing one day a week.  I’ve known this for years — even preached it to others.  Now I’m trying to fit my life to that principle.  In previous years my days off were dictated by jobs that left Sunday free, or another day.   So, I took a day off!

But, as I work here I feel a responsibility to see things done — to the detriment of my own health.

So, to get a balance I’m working on the need to “sabbath”.  And before I even get there tomorrow, I have a previous commitment that was set a month or so ago (early morning).  So, my day off will begin at 9:00 in the morning.  From there on, . . .

For all the business of the last few days, this is the day for rest.

We were up somewhat early and headed out into the yard.  The leaves from previous days were still on the ground.  As the morning progressed, we were able to place them in bags, knowing the town would be picking up leaf gatherings the next few days.  Between our neighbour and ourselves around 30 bags are all bagged!!

The afternoon and evening were spent doing nothing.  Or at least, after the busyness of the last few days, this felt like nothing.  Smokies for lunch and lasagna for supper.  A quick watch (1 1/2 hours) of a Rob Bell video, a movie, and an episode of Corner Gas (for which I am truly sorry that the final season is upon us!).

And now, as I write this blog, I’m preparing to rest.  I’ve put off for tomorrow what is best left ’til tomorrow.  A day of rest is as good as a day off!

Well, the potluck topped off the day.

We began with an 11:00 start.  There were greetings, and singing and a talk on the basis for our church.  There was laughter, and brass instruments and an amazing piano solo.

Then the potluck.  More food that stretched over 5 -6 meters of table.  Everything from casseroles to beef. 

And the talking!!  We had pictures of 70 years of church ministry that people didn’t even get to see because they were chatting.

That’s a good sign.  And in the end, we were encouraged by heritage and excited about what God is going to continue to do.

No place I would rather be!