Church

Time wanders on.

When a day turns short, there are moments left. 

I had booked an appointment for the evening.  The work needing to be done was done — by 8:00.  Two hours remained before I would head to bed.  I completed a task I had planned on doing tomorrow.  That took me til 8:30 or so.  I sat with my wife.  We watched TV.  Now it’s 9:30 and I’m writing.

When you have a task, the time is short.  When time is given to us unexpectedly, the moments go slowly.  What a conundrum.

Which begs the question — how does one rest?  And for how long?  And when?

Can you turn unexpected time into rest time?  Can those long moments of unexpected time refresh and revitalize?

I think so — if you put your mind to it!  (Oops, does that mean I’ve turned rest into another task?)

Wednesday I ventured to Saskatoon.

The reason:  a one day session put on by the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. 

The sessions included thoughts on how churches can reach out in a Canadian context — along with some analysis of current trends in Canada.  Good information that can help form solid decisions in the future.

The interesting part?  I was on the road at 7:00 am.  Fog was surrounding my headlights.  When I saw a sign indicating deer could be expected, I increased my watch.  At the same time I did not feel fear.  Which is a good sign.  God was protecting and I was watching!  Closer to Saskatoon some snow had fallen and was deposited on the highway.  Again I was watchful but not concerned.  Thankfully the road home was much clearer!

I sensed God in the drive as much as in the sessions.  I have a sneaking suspicion that is the way it should be!  In the ideas and in the practice, God is there.

When I was growing up I remember gathering around the piano.  Mom played all the black notes and sang wonderfully.

The song I remember was “When the roll is called up yonder.”  So here is the song  — you can probably download it by right clicking on the box and saving the file.

I’m sitting here writing this while fighting a cold.

I’ve yet to understand how you fight a cold!  I guess if taking medication is one weapon — I’m in the battle.  My wife prepared some chicken soup — I’m advancing on the cold.  But in the end most colds progress through our bodies and we’re left treating just the symptoms.

Someone pointed out at the door to the church yesterday — “Colds start when we get warm breaks in the weather!”   I’m not sure I’m quite ready to ask for constant -40 degree weather.  Although, with being stuffed up right now . . .