Church

We visited Gordon today before his surgery.  Then at around 3:00 we met his caregivers, Elsie and Marla.  They called us to their coffee table in the mall of the hospital.  Gordon’s surgery had been postponed because of an emergency case.  Gordon was now sleeping.

I began to remember back.  To times when medical interventions had been postponed or rescheduled.  The sense of anticipation, and then not being able to fulfil the anticipation.  As a caregiver, I felt helpless and yet anticipated the next opportunity — which seemed just around the corner.  I am convinced more than ever that the emotions can tire us as easily, and often more effectively, than physical exertion.

Imagine a young boy setting up a ramp for a bicycle jump in the driveway.  Just as he is riding towards the jump his mother halts him.  The ramp is moved so Dad can get in the driveway.  Next day he can set up once again.  That night he lays awake, tired and disappointed.  But also anticipating tomorrow.  The question is which emotion is strongest?  Which orientation will rule his life?

I guess this is a life question.  We all have dashed expectations.  That’s why we pay therapists and seek spiritual healing. 

What is to come in the day after? 

One hint is contained in the understanding that the day after is only a part of this life, and that there is also a continuing life thereafter.  A second hint is that there is a loving, eternal, forgiving, all knowing, all powerful God who is for us!  Grab God’s hand and although the winds of dashed expectations may lift you off your feet, God’s got you for the long run!

Tomorrow I will drop off the "prototype" for the graphics for Wayne Gibson’s CD.  We previewed the possibilities today (Wayne and I).  Now the actual thing is about to happen!  In a few weeks we will drop off the completed Master copy of the audio files to be made into CD’s. 

September 28th is the CD release — come one, come all!!

The heart of the matter is . . . this Tuesday I’ll visit a man who is headed into heart surgery (provided we arrive prior to the surgical preparation time – unknown exactly when as of yet).  In the same hospital in Saskatoon my wife will have an appointment with a cardiologist.  I’m not sure what will come of each separate incident. 

This does remind me that life is not of our own making.  We can wish, we can plan, we can even plead, but in the end life is a gift.  And God gives and He takes away.  In His time — which is far more far sighted than I will ever be.  Nevertheless, God also asks that we ask.  For our heart’s desires.  Not those things which are competely out of line with who God is and what he stands for.  But rather for those things that concern us.

I’ve got a number of things I’m talking to God about, but here are two things that are high on the priority list!  And, let me be honest about how I am praying.  I wish for long life for my wife.  For my friend I desire a life that is active.

May God grant my requests! 

Saturdays I try to make my day of rest.  Being a pastor, Sunday tends to be rather busy.  Tomorrow, if all plans work out, will be no exception.

Today I awoke and headed of to continue some repairs on our basement.  This is not "work" related, and can be relaxing.

I say can, because there are points of frustration.  Like putting in new gyproc and finding I need to disassemble bathroom cabinets.  Or mudding gyproc and finding more holes than expected.

All in a day’s work – or should I say, "play".

From the basement I proceeded to the outdoors.  We bought a dethatching blade for our mower.  Adjusting it just right is a bit of an art.  We’ll be seeding some areas!

At noon I was off to take two nine year olds out for hot dogs and a movie.  They are both kids of some of our small group members.  The movie was "Happy Feet".  A philosophical animated movie.  Anti-establishment for the sake of bettering the community.  We were two rows from the front – a lot of panning shots which tend to disorient me.  Would I see it again?  Probably not.

At home once again, I sanded some drywall, cleaned up some leaves and watered the lawn.  Now it’s five o’clock and I’m taking a break on the computer.

May your day also have rest and enjoyment.  May God’s sun shine upon you.  But even greater, may his face be seen by you in the busyness of this day!