Church

I asked a group of people (about 60 0f them) yesterday to lift their hands if they made New Year’s resolutions.

Not a hand was lifted! 

Is this a case of cynicism?  Or a recognism of reality?  Is one year too long to hold onto a discipline?  Or are we all in a world where promises have been so misused and abused — we don’t want to get caught up in the hypocrisy around us?

Don’t have the answers — not even sure I have the questions! 

But there is something here that may bring back the question of sabbath.  We have turned the one day of reflection that our society allows itself each year into a non-day!  Unless we are constantly, week by week, reflecting on our lives, it’s no wonder a year end reflection and resolution time falls so flat.

At 11:00 this morning was my first.  At 4:00 pm was my second.

The 11:00 appointment was to help tangible boxes and containers enter a house from a diesel truck.  This was truly moving!  By 2:00 all the boxes and other items were in the house.  The new owners were glad to have a group of us available to assist them.  Free pizza and pop!!  John and Annette, may you enjoy Kindersley!

Then at 4:00 I officiated a wedding.  Both were seniors (even though they might not like that designation!).  As widowers this was a second wedding for both of them.  There is something about the steadiness of age and maturity that makes for a memorable occasion.  Art and Gladys, may you have a God blessed wedding.

I thought December 29th was going to be fairly straightforward.

Back in September I had planned to celebrate my father’s birthday by phoning him.  Other than that — the day was free!

Then October progressed into November and a wedding arose.  So I committed to do that wedding as well — December 29th.

Meanwhile our basement was being used by a boarder who was attempting to get a house in town.  That was to take place the beginning of November or shortly thereafter.  He and his family will move in December 29th.  I will show up to say “Hi” and maybe move a few boxes.  I’ve tried to arrange for others to help out.  There were three or four who tentatively agreed.  One was to be hauling grain so couldn’t give a final word until he knew if the elevator was open for delivery.  Two others found out about a funeral and another found out about some furniture that needs to be moved immediately (and not our boarder’s furniture).  Only God knows who will show up!

I don’t like uncertainty.  With the New Year around the corner I’m reminded that resolutions are our way of gaining certainty.  The older I get the less I believe New Year’s resolutions work.  Yes, they are a guideline.  But I’m beginning to like the old latin phrase DV “Deo Volente” — God Willing.  That is where certainty actually needs to rest!

Here we are — at my sister’s house in Rosetown, SK, for Christmas.  The turkey was great, and wait til you try out marshmellow “pea shooters”, gyroscopes and Connect Four.  A fun day had by all!!