Yearly Archives: 2012

Yesterday I sat in our church board meeting. 

In many ways I’ve been conditioned to consider a “board meeting” as a boring time.  And always way too long.

The nice thing about a small group is that we talk lots in between meetings.  We are aware of upcoming issues and probably have discussed them prior to entering the meeting.

And so, we laughed and prayed and discussed and planned.  And all in 1 1/2 hours.  We were still awake when we were done, we certainly weren’t bored (there was an ongoing joke during the meeting – something about “segueing” – that kept us on our toes).

Friends serving together with friends for the good of the community we serve.  That’s an apt description of our church board.  You’ve got to like that!

My last few days feel like a whirlwind.

On Sunday morning (at 5:00 in the morning!), I began my trek back to Saskatchewan from Summerland, BC.  The early morning meant the construction sites were abandoned and travel was smooth.  I arrived in Calgary in time to catch the end of one church service, have lunch with friends and their family, then head to another service in Airdrie, meet other friends and have supper, then be back in Kindersley by 11:00 pm.

That was Sunday.

Then Monday.

My day was spent in preparing for the all candidates forum for our town council and mayor.  I was privileged to be invited to serve as moderator for the forum. 

FUN!  Best word to describe the challenge.  One of the candidates has even tagged me in a photo on Facebook.  A lady stopped me in the Post Office to congratulate me on the time together.  Another person expressed how well I had done.  And all this praise to do what I enjoy.  Although another person, upon hearing that moderating meetings energized me, thought I might just be a bit weird.

And now today – back to church work, seniors meeting, church board meeting and a late supper.  All good.  I’ll rest well tonight – I trust you will as well.

That’s the question the lady asked me. 

She had been on a stroll with her dog.  In the midst of the stroll she had thrown an apple into a fenced area.

Now, who would you say was in charge?  BTW:  That’s an emu!

Last year the challenge to climb to the top of the local mountain here in Summerland was avoided.  The day of the attempt I was feeling nauseous and Jill realized her limitations.  So we literally backed down!

This week I decided to try again.  The first part of the trail is a winding switchback road.  As I ascended I met a vehicle.  One of us had to back down, the other to find a safe place to pass.  That accomplished, we both continued.  Intent on the road and with no barriers keeping you from falling off the edge, the ascent was “interesting” (take that how you may!).

A parking lot of sorts appeared at the end of the road, but more climbing was needed.  I exited the car and headed straight up the mountain.  Side trails allowed for a more gradual climb, but I chose to huff and puff my way to the top.

As the peak loomed nearer, so did the sound of the wind.  Atop the mountain (really just a jut of rock that is bigger than any prairie protuberance) I glanced around.  Then I listened. 

Aside from the whistle of the wind, there were the sounds of the valley below.  Loudest noises came from vehicles – the truck whose muffler was noisy, and the tractor slowly climbing the roadway.  There was the single engine plane that flew by – at a lower altitude than I was at.  And the general noise – nothing distinguishable but all there!

As I descended, I realized I had been so intent on reaching the summit I had missed various scenic turnouts.  A lady was walking the trail for exercise.  A couple had ascended together and were cheerfully enjoying each others presence. 

While the climb was centered on reaching the top, the descent became an enjoyment of all that surrounded me.  And what an enjoyment!