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Yesterday I was passing on address and contact information to a contractor.  In the tradition of doing business, I had a business card that I gave to him.  There was no business listed. “So what do you do.”  The contractor was most interested in what I did and  not just the personal information on the card. I was taken up short.  Something I have sensed over the years was staring me in the face.  We relate best to people in relation to their productivity.  OK, a business card is a “business” card.  You can expect that someone looking at one would expect a business to be listed. I’m retired.  I never thought of listing that as my business.  I’m not expecting to be “productive”.  I am expecting to be a person of integrity, wisdom, perseverance, love, compassion, justice, mercy and many other characteristics.  In the midst of that, I may be working for the better of others and to help people to see God through what I do. I remember the story of a group of high school boys from an upper class school.  They were on a “trip” during the school year – wandering around some countries in the Middle East.  At one point they all pulled out their business cards – signs of their expectation for the future.  One young fellow was from the Middle East.  There was no listing of a business.  Just a list of his father and other relatives. “We are known by who we are and not what we do.” Maybe I should write that on my business card!

I’m off to an Easter Tea today.  We’ll judge Easter hats, sing a bit and enjoy tea and dainties.  I’m the entertainment – which means I’ll sing a bit and talk a bit and hopefully keep all of us awake. I want to chat a bit about Easter Sunday Morning Sunrise services.  I remember a number of years ago attending such a sunrise service.  Later in April.  We really had to get up early.  This year – not as early if you go to a sunrise service. The sunrise service takes place outside.  The idea is to celebrate the empty tomb (which is what Easter Sunday is about) which greeted Mary as dawn broke on Easter morning.  A pretty simple explanation. History gives “the rest of the story.” The first time this happened was back in 1732 (at least this is the first recorded time).  Transport yourself back 300 years.  Put on your warm clothes.  Be a man.  Now history shows that the tradition ended up catching on to all genders, ages and sizes.  But the first time was men only. The Single Brethren (unmarried men of the Christian community called Moravians living at Herrnhut in Germany) had been praying all night.  This was the evening before the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.  I can imagine they were quite thankful in their prayers – a few “Hallelujahs” and “Praise Jesus” were probably spoken – although probably in German! Then they headed off to the town graveyard, called God’s acre (I like that name – God keeps an eye on the places where His people are buried!).  There they really got into it – singing songs of praise to the Risen Saviour.  No guitars – just acappella. So, we’ll try some singing this afternoon, although we won’t be at the graveyard but in a warm meeting room.  We’ll sing without piano or other instruments.  Probably in five part harmony – 4 parts and my part! Should be interesting!

Well, we decided to demolish a house.  Raze it to the ground.  Flatten it! Backstory. We bought an abandoned house that was right across the street from us.  The house was boarded up, had been for a number of years.  The occupant had died a few years ago – in the house, and been found there after a few days.  The family had basically left the place as is, and public health had it boarded up.  Through a few twists and turns, we were able to purchase the property recently.  The community will be glad to see the house go! We were going to move fairly slowly, but we found elm trees in the yard.  Now, you have only a small window of time in our part of the world to cut and trim elm trees – between October and March.  The date was drawing near, so we decided to get moving.  Or at least move the elm trees out of the way of those who will be demolishing the house.  Today we are awaiting people to fell the trees (which may take a few days – there were more trees and bushes than we had anticipated).  Then, on with the whole permitting, and waiting, and arranging, and finding waste sites, and contractors, and waiting.  We should be getting good at this building thing fairly soon.  I wonder if God needs some help building our mansion up in heaven?

As I prepare for this Sunday, the schedule is full.  I’ve become a one, or possibly two, item person in my retirement.  That means that putting one thing on the schedule per day is a sign that I am still alive and well.  The other serendipities of the day are a blessing sent from God.  And I have many more serendipities than I have scheduled items. Today is an exception – my scheduled items are crammed full.  I begin with a Sunday School class I attend, a worship service I participate in.  Then I will take a quick lunch.  The next item is an Easter choir concert in which I will sing.  Then to a quick supper with the choir.  Then an hour drive down the road for another Easter choir concert in which I will sing.  Then a quick meet and greet and off for an hour’s ride home. I am not impressed with full schedules. I am impressed with opportunities to see God.  And opportunities to speak about God and to God.  And to serve God.  That is a “rest” that puts my trust in the right place and my activity in perspective. Today should be one of those days.  A true Sabbath to God’s credit and my humble opportunity to serve God. Now that’s what I call a Sunday!