Church

A number of years ago there was a TV show that worked off the idea of family cooperation.  As I remember it, the opposite could also be true — families in this show could also hate each other.  The deciding factor was how each family member responded to the other in the midst of tense situations.

This past week I attended two funerals where there were strained relations.  While family members might sit on the same bench, the minutes were spent far from each other.  Some family members didn’t even show up or want involvement in funeral preparations.

The other day I was talking to my parents.  As we finished our conversation, my father said quietly, “Love you.”  I have heard that from him for many years.  But somehow it struck me this time around.  He has said that same thing to all of us kids.  My mother does the same.  We as siblings are also on good terms.

I will look forward to the next funeral in our family.  Not in a morbid way!  But in a way that the gathering will be a celebration of a person’s life.  And the gathering will be a time to speak to each other with gracious tones and not with harsh invectives.

May no family feuds interrupt peace on earth and goodwill toward men!

A decade ago I received a present from a friend, Randy Friesen (surgeon, not to be mistaken for Randall Friesen, pastor and also a friend).  The book was called “Markings” written by Dag Hammarkjold, former secretary general of the United Nations.

Every once in a while I return to these short, pithy statements.  This is really a journal Dag kept over a number of years.  Today I was looking at some things he said when he was around my age.

Try this one out for Christmas eve thinking (written 12.24.60) — “How proper it is that Christmas should follow Advent.  For him who looks towards the future, the Manger is situated on Golgatha, and the Cross has already been raised in Bethlehem.” 

Or, from page 91 — “I am the vessel.  The draught is God’s.  And God is the thirsty one.  —  In the last analysis, what does the word “sacrifice” mean?  Or even the word “gift”?  He who has nothing can give nothing. The gift is God’s — to God.”

Let’s move back to when Dag was around 20 – 25 years of age.

“Never look down to test the ground before taking your next step:  only he who keeps his eye fixed o nthe far horizon will find his right road. — Never measure the geight of a mountain, until you have reached the top.  Then you will see how low it was. — Life only demands from you the strength you possess.  Only one feat is possible – not to have run away.”  (p. 7-8)

Today our children and  youth ran a Christmas program.  Music (with a brass band!), drama, scripture reading and even a meal!  Here is just one picture from a myriad of audio and visual landscapes!

 My memory is not what it used to be!

I was praying for someone this past week and forgot their name.  I used all sorts of other adjectives to describe them in the prayer.  They appreciated my talk with God!   And God knows who I was talking about!!

So, I’m updating areas where I might forget!  Things like passwords for online banking and blog site access (if you aren’t reading this, I’ve forgotten my password).  I’ve stored them away so my wife can find them — it I die, or get burnt out, or simply forget.  Now all I need to do is remember to tell her where I put them!

Here’s to memory!