Monthly Archives: June 2014

I gave my youngest brother a birthday greeting yesterday.

I remember the days when he came home to live with us.  His older sister wanted to dress him in girl’s clothing – he was supposed to be a girl!  As he grew, it became obvious that he had intellectual smarts.  He competed on reach for the top and received various scholarships to university.

Then he somehow grew up, pastored a church, served as a missionary, completed a doctorate in Theology.  This past year he performed our wedding ceremony!

My remembrances tend to still be back in the old days.  But then I realize that he can get seniors discount at various restaurants.  And he can pretend to be part of the freedom 55 generation.

And so, he responded that he is learning to live into his age.  And now he is a day into that age!

A very happy birthday to my brother Murray!!

People are curious.

As am I.

The journal I began a short while ago is intriguing.  For others and for myself.

I begin with a question (usually starting with “why”) that raises conflict.  Quite often the question is personal and the conflict is within myself.  Others are related to friends, vocation, and life in general.

I ask why, then jot down an answer.  I do the same five times.  At that point I am probably getting to the actual answer, or at least to a root of the problem.

This may be something you would like to try.  The exercise is not easy, and usually by the time I hit the third “why”, I’m having to confront the real me!  And that is not always easy, because I know I will probably have to rethink how I live my life as I go deeper – and have to repent of attitudes and actions that have become ingrained in my life.

Is it worth it?  I think so – and so I continue!

I’m between two dates. 

We are all between the two dates of our birth and death.  For some this day is in the midst of hard land – just waiting for the day to be finished.  For others, this day is a present and pressing occupation.  For others this is a preparation for a future.

Some days may be more oriented towards one or the other of these positions.  In fact, one day may see all of these thoughts enter our minds.  When I read the Bible, I’m struck by prophets whose lives explored each of these experiences, and by apostles who encountered daily trials and tribulations, and in so doing, combined the idea that our desire may indeed be to see life soon finished, but in the midst of life, we live out our lives in light of God’s desires for righteous living and in anticipation of a better world to come.

But we live in a relatively prosperous times here in North America.  When our world becomes comfortable, we soon lose sight of what day this is.  We lounge and fantasize, feeling that our riches, reputation and self-sufficiency will provide ease and comfort forever.

I’ve watched the shipwreck of that philosophy a few too many times!

Maybe our perspective on each day needs to be readjusted!  The anticipation of a new day (this is the day the Lord has made) and the realization that God is the one who takes us through (we will rejoice and be glad in it – regardless of what happens) is certainly a good starting point!

I have visited the hospital a number of times over these past few days.  A few of our parishioners have been there – some recovering and others not so much.

On Thursday I visited Ernie later in the evening.  His breathing was laboured and I was not sure he would make the evening.  He rallied the next day and had a number of his family visit.  Even at supper tim visit yesterday saw him talking and joking. 

But, as often happens, this was a rallying that was probably for the sake of the family.  His earthly life tired out this morning.  His wife called me and I headed over to the hospital to pray, console and provide support.

Although these are times of pastoral care, this also a time of personal contact – Ernie was someone you just liked (feisty, opinionated , but personable).  I first met Ernie almost a half-century ago.  His journey has not been easy, but he was a man who persevered.  He will be missed by friends and family.

May God bless the family today as they grieve this loss!