Monthly Archives: April 2014

Last night we were on our way around the block together.  The exercise was important to our lives – both my wife and I are over our usual weight, and other body measurements agree.  We walked fairly fast, not sweat breakingly fast, but fast enough.

As we walked up the main street of our town, I noticed a truck pass us and pull into park.  Out jumped a friend of mine who had moved to another town a few years ago.

He was currently in town to do some training for his company.  His wife had hoped to accompany him, but had end of church year events happening.

As we approached each other, I was glad to see him.  He was an encouragement to me in my ministry, and continues to connect with the church and myself.

As we shook hands, I introduced him to my wife.  He was glad to meet her and expressed that.  Our conversation ranged over family, church, fun and life in general.

Walking away, I realize that God somehow allows circumstances that otherwise I am unable to plan.  For this I am thankful!

When you cast your thoughts back a few months, 6:00 in the morning was steeped in darkness.  Today the shades of orange tinge the sky as I write these thoughts.

I have been reminded that almost two years have passed since my first wife, Jill, passed away.  I am working on some arrangements for that day that will be a reminder and I hope an encouragement.

Days were dark as that winter season in life began.  I have had many thankful days since.  I want to gather those “thankfulnesses” into a group.  I’m not sure how that will look at this moment, but I know that I am called by God to be thankful. 

I also want to touch base with people.  Perhaps this is the hardest – and I realize the intensity of a death brought many people back into my life.  As things normalized (or took on a new normal), the  need for constant contact became less.  Now, as part of that thankfulness, touching base again would be helpful.

As I write these words, I also recognize the various levels of grief that surface at a time like this.  For all the projects and plans, I know that I must leave space for “alone” grief first.  As much as pushing forward into a new day is necessary, releasing the past day is also necessary.  Both make for health.

So, if my plans are delayed, that is just what it is.  The delay will not be a lack of care for others, but a time for me to relive, refocus and renew.

Now, I have to ask myself – how am I going to carve out that space in my life?

A week of holidays where sickness alternated.  That is one way to describe this past week.

The other is to say that positives abounded.  Good times of discussion with my wife.  Purchases of various items on sale – the timing was right.  Visits with enjoyable relatives. 

In a day and age where criticism is easy and thankfulness is secondary, the choice of gratitude is my starting point for this day!

Our hope is that we can get away for holiday days today.  Sickness has kept us from venturing too far – but today rings with hope anew.

As I look over the years, riding can have many different affects!

As a young child, I tended to get a bit sick on my rides in the car.  I liked to sit at the front of a bus.  I also found long rides were times to sleep – a thing I did quite often as a young adult with a musical touring group, for a year’s time.  Missed a lot of the beautiful countryside of Canada and United States but was able to sing each night.

As a young adult, I enjoyed riding with friends and with my spouse.  These were times of banter and deep discussion.  There was a true sense of camaraderie and bonds that have lasted for decades.  I remember one trip where I was in a persuasive mood.  The fellow I was travelling with was wondering if he should marry a young lady he had met.  They have been married for over three decades!

I wonder what other findings you have had as you have travelled the roads over the years?