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In light of continuity!

Yes, it is cold here.  The Big Chill has arrived.  Just looked at our temperature and it is -36.  Close to that magic -40 which, in my lifetime’s experience, is the point at which all things should just stop!

Of course, now we have windchill – ours reads -48.  Others in the province are at -51.  23 record temperature/windchills on this day in Saskatchewan.  That may rise as the day goes on.

So, what to do?

Well, my wife is off to a painting job – thankfully just a few minutes away.  I will probably venture out at some point and pick up needed files and information.  Otherwise communication will be through in the internet and phone.

How does this affect the day?  Well, one thing is that you subconsciously figure this in as a “day off”.  All the plans that might have been are now set aside.  Some can be done, others will have to wait.

So, I’m not headed out the door (at least right away).  Instead, I’m inside enjoying a furnace that works!

Our weekend has been forecasted for some time.  A chilling -41 was originally forecasted.  We have moved up a few degrees, but still looks cold!

The interesting thing is that people now plan ahead – we have seen one meeting cancelled already because the drive for the major participant would be difficult.

In Saskatchewan we have hardy people.  We tend to go no matter what.  But I have noticed these past few years that we are a little more cautious. 

I believe part of that comes from a more precise definition of what cold is.  Used to be we would merely look at the temperature.  Cold was cold.  When you hit -40 you expect things to shut down.

Then we move to wind chill.  We now knew how it felt, not just how cold it was.

And now we are defining that even further.  Other factors will become a part of the feeling of the day.  Perhaps humidity, sunshine and other things.

By the end of the day – as we begin to see how bad things are – we may never go outside.

Of course, I’m saying that as I prepare to leave for work with a wind chill warning in place.   And here is my saying, based on getting older:  “I remember when we ate icicles before we went to school, and spat in the wind and our breath froze!!!”

I ventured into the local (meaning two hours away) Christian bookstore the other day. 

Things have changed.  Amazon has become only one of a number of on-line retailers who carry Christian product.  Yesterday I noted that they want me to buy groceries and will pay for the shipping.

Scott’s Parables have changed their store display.  The music area is close to the front now – although most people have moved from buying CD’s to downloads, there are still a number of titles.  The area that seems to grow is the “product” area – pictures, trinkets, etc.

To my mind the tangible bookstore will continue to change.  The allure of cheaper product delivered on-line is a reality.

How does that affect me?  I’m still trying to figure that out.  I have bought books on-line.  The wait time has not been too bad.  And you can also download ebooks.  Living two hours from a store means this is definitely cheaper and perhaps a better use of my time. 

Perhaps I will contribute to the demise of the tangible store.  I’m not sure – but the possibility is there.  The past century has seen much change in retailing – this is the current one!

I am awake this morning – a few too many times.

In this last while I have been twisting with various situations that are not necessarily of my own making.  I suppose those types of circumstances leave me shaking my head – and imagining.  With lack of a solid sleep those imaginings are not always the most positive. 

So today will be a balance of tasks and recalling.  Tasks that are a part of the regular flow of the day.  And prayerful recalling of  details and decisions for the sake of understanding and wisdom of some of these most recent circumstances.

This spiritual exercise is well worth the effort.  But I realize it will require effort.  So, off for a bit of breakfast – a meal that will provide nutrition for the body.  And off to a time of prayer – nutrition for the soul!