Church

So, I’m sitting in the front room.  Feet almost up, dog on the perch surveying the street, and breakfast just done.  In hand is the 2008 version of the Almanac for farmers and city folk.  Used to be called the farmers almanac.  85% accurate weather forecast rate.  I still like to check to see how close to the weather outside they are.  Not sure if they use bird entrails to forecast, or if they have moved hi-tech!

Always a few good stories — like the fellow who sued a hospital that had told him he would die of pancreatic cancer in a year’s time.  So he sold all he had, partied and came back in a year’s time to find out that he had non-terminal pancreatic cancer.  Since he was now broke, he decided to sue the hospital.  What ever happened to common sense?

Pick up a copy.  They are not expensive.  Or go visit relatives who have a copy!!

Well, I got up today and headed out early to pick up some groceries.  Rosetown COOP was open and the cashier was bright and cheerful.  The surrounding story is breezy and the atmosphere inviting.

In a few minutes I had found the "Grape Nuts" — a Kelloggs breakfast cereal.  The box is not like years ago.  The front is updated and the sides carry nutrition information.  I trust the insides are still the same!

Then to the egg aisle.  But no eggs.  I wandered to the cashier and paid for the breakfast cereal.  Then I casually mentioned that the eggs were not there.  She, as casually, mentioned that they had been on sale — 18 large eggs for $1.99. 

Was yesterday busy?  Yes.  Was the egg truck coming.  A passing stock person mentioned they had not seen eggs in the back.  They called Harry. He looked.  Yes, there were eggs — Yes, they were still on sale! 

So, my cashier closed the till.  She headed to the back to get the eggs.  I didn’t have to move.

Now, that’s small town service!!  And the price was right.

Well, here we are.  In Rosetown with family!  Great food, great time!

In history, this season is the beginnng of a new family.  We tend to attach this family spirit to the season, and in many ways it becomes primary.  While I still want to keep Jesus’ birth primary, I do recognize the opportunity to be with family.

Today, Jill and I will visit with my sister and her family, along with my mom and dad.  The drive is only short, a little under an hour.  The time together only a few short hours.

From a utilitarian point of view — what is the use?  That’s where people who only see life from money and resources miss out!  Yes, we could stay home and save money and time.  But what are you saving money and  time for?  In the end, there are no U-hauls behind the hearse!

In the end, there is another realm.  There, we will once again meet with people, living in new bodies yet still themselves, celebrating the one who is the reason for the Christmas season.  Why not start the visiting now?  And so we will do with a group of believers today — brothers and sisters in Jesus and brothers and sisters through an earthly family!