Author: Ron Baker

Yesterday my daughter turned one year older.

So, I phoned her today to see how it felt to be out of the old and into the new.

"Not much different.  Life just continues on." 

That’s not to say that the day couldn’t have turned out larger than life.  Such deliberate pinpoints in time, like birthdays, most certainly can impact us. 

The "slow" pace of life often means  an impetus for change takes time.  And then one day, when you are looking, you make a decision that significantly affects the rest of your life.  Birthdays, anniversaries, funerals are great change point times.  They swoop in and graciously rearrange the furniture of your life.

But sometimes the day passes like any other.  And we can be glad God allows us breath for the day, friends to embrace and the opportunity to see another day.

Well, those long days have caught up with me.

Today tiredness crept into my bones.  Even a short hour’s rest did not provide all the rest I needed.  Although sermon preparation and a meeting with some seekers after God inspired me, they could not overcome a looming sense of exhaustion.

So, I’m off to bed soon.  A few more hours will help.

Take a close look at the sign below!  Not the phone number, or the implied idea that these are 5 star condos.  Take a look at how tall the sign is.

In our neck of the woods, a four storey building is tall.  We currently have a seniors complex being  built that will rival the town structures for tallest and largest building.  It’s four floors high!

Now, count the floors between the sign bottom and top.  I count around six to seven floors.  In other words, I could take this sign, string it up and still see it flying above the town no matter where I placed it.

Imagine using the cloth/canvas for a tent.  Enough for a small army?  Or maybe as a fence around the back 40!  Tipped on it’s side I’d guess it would be a storey or two high!

Now look again at the picture.  In reality it just seems like a small advertisement on the side of an Ottawa building – a way to get tenants.  Nothing unusual unless you live in small town Saskatchewan.

Or should I say, in the office.

After almost a week of being in Ottawa, the feeling is funny to end up walking into a familiar office at 7:00 this morning. 

Of course, the first thing is to set up the "coffee" and eat an apple as I run through administrative details.  A few phone calls to check out things and people.

At lunch I headed to the hospital.  I had touched base with a cancer patient a few weeks ago.  Back today to just give reassurance and pray.  She appreciates the time and her family also expresses appreciation.

The afternoon I finally admit to myself that I’m tired.  An hour’s rest is better than nothing.  And in the evening I’m out for coffee and encouragement!

So, there is today’s zone. 

Certainly not a war zone.  But where struggles and joys are all part of everyday life.  Rather, this is a zone of life where coming alongside others is good and right!   And right where I should be!