Uncategorized

As my work week begins (OK, a pastor is never really off), I am hoping to work on the hard work of starting a new role here at the Kindersley Alliance Church.

Actually, next week is the starting date, but I’m in preparation mode (which is not a bad thing). 

As my mind has twirled around and looked at new avenues, I sense a new approach to things. 

I’ve married into a family that lives in the unexpected timeframe.  Yesterday is not what was necessarily planned (and planning is not bad, in fact the family plans well).  But in the case where things must change, they change (which is frequently the case). 

Will I learn to live happily with this approach?  I hope so.  Seems stress could be a lot less in this world where we have more than enough stress!

And so, off to plan with the plan in mind that the plan may not happen!

Despite the rain – which cancelled out a drive by of classic cars – we enjoyed an afternoon and supper time with our my daughter, her husband and the grandkids yesterday.

They are active, those grandkids.  They had been to Ontario to visit relatives recently – so they were storytellers to the greatest degree!  And they are always full of questions.

I’m “grandpa with the moustache”.  What a great phrase!  So I keep my moustache for that reason.

I’m also a bit of a storyteller when I’m around the grandkids!  I get them to see things in a new light.  At least that’s what I figure is what I’m doing when their mom looks at me in that sort of way that questions the veracity of what I just said.

And so, a good time had by all.

I remember.

And that is good.

God calls us to look back.  To see what has upheld our days in times of weakness.  To rehearse what has brought us great joy in times of excitement.

In approaching days where doubt is overwhelming, a return to faith and faithfulness can be the best antidote.

To my friends who this week struggled, may you remember the past!

In the next few days, I am moving from being a senior pastor to being an associate pastor – all in the same institution.  The transition has not been easy, nor should I expect that it would be.

I am coming to recognize the power of symbols to solidify change. 

Yesterday I moved into a new office space.  Newly painted, newly arranged, just plain new. 

Our church secretary and I had to work out the intercom on the phone.  We had known it existed but had not had to use it.  The old (senior) office was mere meters away – the new one is more than a yell’s throw away.

I reduced my library to a few shelves.  The remaining volumes are designed to assist with my new responsibilities (which are still somewhat in flux).

My files are being culled.  I expect the next few weeks will see much in the way of shredding. 

My mind is being reset.  I can’t help but be confronted with a new life every time I walk into my office.  Which means I’m focusing on the important (at least I hope so).  Not a bad thing.