Uncategorized

Today I have two major events planned.  One is a seniors meal, another a counseling appointment and supper.

As I head into almost a year after the passing of my wife, Jill, I am reminded of what this would have looked like a year ago.

The meal with the seniors would have been headed up by Jill.  We would be gathering together various utensils that might just be needed.  Any last minute shopping needs would be cared for on the way to the church. 

After the luncheon we would have headed home, prepared a supper meal and looked over the counseling needs for the afternoon session.  Many of my counseling sessions, particularly with couples, included Jill.

Almost a year later, I am thankful for all those who are preparing meals.  I am thankful for those who are open to provide support where needed.

In all this, though, the loss  is still present.  As I work towards the first year anniversary of her death on May 17th, I know that other thoughts and memories will arise.  This is to be expected. 

While others are helpful and supportive, I am so thankful that God is good, his strength is sufficient.  I continue to rely on God for each day.  And so, I begin this day saying, “this is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Yesterday I am at a hymn sing.  Hymn sings are designed for an older generation.  They are fun, exhausting and inspirational.  Sing for a straight hour and see how your lungs last.  Sit with friends and laugh and cry and hear good words spoken. 

I was asked to lead the singing.  The song leader had been drifted in by six feet of snow (yes, it is April and the snow will melt – just not yet!).  The songs didn’t look too difficult – although I found one song was not what I had expected.  I ended up reading the music and trying to make that work.  Thanks to a great pianist, we made it through.

As I am standing there, preparing for the evening, the leader stepped up to me.  In a nice way he said, “you don’t have to wear your tie.”

Now, I like ties.  They keep my neck warm, give a nice flow to the ensemble of shirt and suit jacket, and can set off a clothing display that would otherwise be rather dull.

I looked around the room.  There were suit jackets a plenty.  But no ties.

Remember, this is the generation that grew up with ties, especially on Sunday (and many other days).  The following generation rebelled and lived in blue jeans and tshirts. 

I was surprised.  The dress code was a contradiction to the age in which they grew up. 

Perhaps there is still a little bit of the rebel even in the “older” generation!

So, I’m out shoveling snow this morning around 7:00.  The night shift from the nearby seniors home is just out.  One of my neighbours wanders by.

Wishes me, “Merry Christmas”!

Now, that is a great way to start the day!  On Sunday!

Easter is now past and I think I would add, “Happy Easter.”

The conversation then continued. . .

“I bet you didn’t think you’d be shoveling snow again.”

“No, I wasn’t counting on it.”

At this point we both finished that thread of conversation.  I guess we have had over a half year of winter and enough has been said.

I look forward to the changing of seasons.  As in my life, change sometimes happens at a rate other than the expected.  Some days I figure grief and sorrow are past, and a weepy day arises.  Not that life will not change, just that a bit of snow still is falling.

And the snow waters the ground of a new day.  I look forward to green grass and new possibilities.

God knows best!

My father was a weather forecaster.  He studied maps, checked out stats and loved history.  He loved to state that at least 80% of the time he was right!  Even if it had been 90% or more – the question was not accuracy.

The real issue, when feedback came, was related to personal dislike.  You could forecast a blizzard and be “spot on.”  And the forecaster was to blame!  Meanwhile, the kids who had a snow day, loved it!  And the forecaster was to blame!

We had snow fall this past week.  And rain.

Those who follow the weather knew it was on the way. 

I think there is a bit of a change happening.  Forecasting used to be seen as a guessing game.  With improved methods, we now expect to know what will happen, not just guess!

The weather forecaster is now the messenger who brings the news.  So, I’m hunkering down for more precipitation.  Let it snow (rain/fog/sleet), let it snow (rain/fog/sleet), let it snow (rain/fog/sleet)!  I’m ready (or not!!!). 

And maybe, it is really just a guess??