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When someone hits a terminal disease, they often turn to those who have been a part of their lives over the years.  Sometimes the previous contact has been days, some months, some years, some decades.

Yesterday a person from at least three decades ago contacted me.  They have cancer.  And the treatments sounds rather aggressive. 

They asked for prayer.  And a visit. 

Now, we live just down the block from our local hospital.  This request for a visit was from a hospital two hours away. 

This person has continued roots in our town – a usual hospital visit would be minutes away.  But  the nearest cancer treatment center is hours away. 

Decades ago we attended a mentoring small group.  We talked of God, and Christ and life with God and others.  Over the years they have waivered in their commitment and this call for a visit and prayer is perhaps a return to a previous day and age.  I trusts  this is a time for a reassessment of their life. 

And so, today I will use those two hours of driving time for prayer and preparation – not only for them, but also for myself.

Percolating in the back of our minds!  Shortly after we were married, my wife mentioned that she would like to collect coins.  This had been a long time desire.

So, as we gathered coins around the house and rolled them into batches, we held them.  Not for a rainy day (no such thing in February!).  But rather for a time to decide what we wanted to do with our coins.

The idea was quite simple – as we started to consider what to do. 

Collect Canadian coins – two for each year.  We soon found that some year’s denomination of coins had more than one type of engraving (Google searches are amazing!).  If possible, collect these as well.

In the end, the end really is to have a set that will journal the years that Canadian coins have been made.

Of course, the majority of coins that we will collect will have been in the last 30 years.  Interestingly, we have run across three 1940 pennies. 

So, around our games table last night, we organized and sorted.  Extra coins went back in our pockets, or change baskets in the car, or into rolls. 

The time was fun – working together as a couple. 

Great marriage therapy – better than expensive counseling sessions.  Just seated around a table with a common (and not so hard to do) goal – and a good bit of talk as we went!

I must admit, one of the things that I enjoy is shoveling snow.

I’m not sure everyone understands that.  My next door neighbour has a number of choice words as she shovels her snow.  Spring will not be here soon enough for her.

On the other hand, I stand in fresh snow and see an adventure about to begin.  There is an end in mind.  A clean walk, or a helpful pathway, or an ice rink where you can see the ice.

Not only is there completion in mind – and every scoop of snow removed brings it closer – but there is also the satisfaction of knowing you get to serve others.  A clean walk means less stress and strain on those who are walking, a helpful pathway means someone can find their way to the destination, and of course, a clean ice rink means those Olympians have a place to practice!!

And, finally (but certainly not an exhaustive list), there is the good of exercise.  The older I become the more I realize how much bodily exercise can positiviely affect the rest of your life.  Those who have physical limitations notice this probably the most – and might even wish they were out shoveling snow with me! 

So, I enjoy shoveling snow.  I’m not sure I will be able to do this physically for the rest of my life, but for the moment – bring it on. 

OK, just a few inches at a time would be nice!!

About a decade ago I came across a poster.  The easy thing was to put it on my wall.  The hard thing was to live with the message:

Blessed are those who are flexible, for they will not be bent out of shape.

I began yesterday with a fairly straightforward schedule for the next few days. 

Then . . .

A death meant a funeral that I will attend on the weekend.  Which funeral overlaps a birthday party.  So a few phone calls and apologies later – and my Saturday has a new look.

Another phone call explained that a friend is in hospital.  The intent had been to have a meeting with them at my office.  Instead I visited with them in the hospital.

As the evening was dawning (or should I say waning!), my wife and I looked at the weather forecast.  Friday she was to head to Calgary to pick up her son.  We examined the weather over the route.  Fairly quickly she packed her bags and headed out in order to miss a blizzard that was expected at Hanna. 

Thursday, Friday, Saturday.  None of my schedule is the same.  And here I thought I things were becoming stable.  Maybe that’s only for horses!!