Church

In 1972 I encountered a young 19 year old.  She was just a slight wisp — a refreshing breeze that could easily have been missed, but once you saw her you’d never miss her again!

She carried herself with determination.  Her friends were loyal, for she was loyal.  Her home was more than 2000 kilometers away but she was all there, wherever “there” was.

Her blond head bobbed up and down hallways I frequently daily.  My total distraction with her blossomed the following year.  We began to “see” each other – rather innocently at first.  Then more devotedly.  We married in 1976.

This past fall, we examined our wedding pictures. 

I’d forgotten how fashion changes over three decades.  Light brown tuxedos are no longer the rage.  The bridesmaids’ and the wedding dress flow in the breeze creating what I consider to be one of the most stunning photographs I have ever seen!  On closer examination I find my breath most taken by the one who covenanted to remain with me for life.

Now we are sailing in our 30th year of marriage.  The breezes have sometimes been a little rough  –some days the water has threatened to wash away the good timber that is the foundation of our life together. 

Those days are fewer these days!  There is a comfort to the ship that makes lounging on deck easy and refreshing.  The creaking we hear is just an assurance that we’ve stood the storms.  Our weathered condition is a sign of good construction!  And the map of the years allows us to steer into calming waters instead of always heading into hurricanes.

I write this to a great wife! 

To a great lover I give thanks for a safe place where all of me is linked to all of you, and we two are truly one!  To a stimulating thinker, reader and engaging conversationalist, I give thanks for the shores of sanity you constantly expose.  To one whose creativity composes music and food with equal enthusiasm, your ability to tap into God’s deep soul of creation never ceases to amaze me. 

To my best friend – Happy Valentine’s day!!

Today a friend was headed west.  Expecting to hit a snowstorm!

Of course, with this winter, one can never be sure.  My next door neighbour, Mike, is actually starting to believe in global warming.

Which makes one ask – Where have all the snowstorms gone?

In 1955 the storm of the century hit Kindersley.  My father talks of people who started the day in shirtsleeves, but never made it home.  I understand I was left stranded in the hospital because my parents could not get out of the farmyard.

But no one can remember a winter where there was no winter.  We are still waiting for -40 weather.  Right now the snow is melted around the house.  Yesterday we watched the ice recede.

If I didn’t know better, the new ice age “reversed” is on its way.  Of course, maybe I don’t know better!

Last night I sneaked out to where writers meet!

Down at Cafe Danse a group of four lounged around a table, drinking tea and swapping stories.  This was my first time with Linda, and Twila and Dale.  For an hour we enjoyed each other’s presence.  I heard a great new poem.  And two longer, conversational type stories.

The group is new this past September, and this is the first time I was privileged to meet with them.

I suppose the story of the bus driver, a fire, and poor decisions was a highlight.  You’ll have to wait til the group’s book comes out (Pearls from the Prairies)!

My schedule doesn’t suit the usual meeting times, but I’ll have to see what I can do.  Nothing like a good story, good table talk and a bit of tea to provide an evening’s delight!

So, it’s Thursday lunch.  I’m sitting at Tim Horton’s!

24 hours earlier my PDA showed no sign of movement for this time slot.  In fact, my wife had asked if I was going to be home for lunch.  My answer?  Yes.

Then I receive an email in the morning.  A pastor friend, Randall Friesen, from Prince Albert is on his way through and will be around for lunch.  Am I available?  “Sure!” – I emailed back.

At 11:45, I’m completing a meeting and getting ready for my “impromptu” lunch.  I miss a call and search to find out the source.  Another pastor friend from Prince Albert, Dan Haugan and his wife Bev,  are at Tim Horton’s and I’m invited for lunch.

As I wander down to the local eatery, I’m asking myself how many times a double booking can work so well! 

Both pastors are men whom I had worked closely with in Prince Albert. 

Both pastors are men who blessed me and encouraged me in my ministry as I lunched with them. 

Both were God’s appointment.