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As I was preparing to head off to work yesterday, the phone rang.  Now, that is most often not good news.  I was headed into a busy day with our seniors luncheon and choir practices and other appointments.

The voice on the other end was a little croaky.  Sick would describe the person at the end of the voice.  Up all night.  Not doing well.  And he was our scheduled speaker for our seniors luncheon.

Now, I guess I’m learning to be spontaneous.  Or at least to trust God to make a way!  I certainly could not criticize sickness – but I could graciously offer to pray for a quick healing and for rest.  Which I did.

The schedule for our luncheon did have some wiggle room – sing a song a little longer, eat a little slower, and enjoy each others company.  When the luncheon was done, we walked out having had “fellowship” that was wholesome and helpful.  And trusting our intended speaker would soon be recovered!

Yesterday I sat with friends.  We joked and laughed as a new friend was introduced around the table.  And we talked serious talk.  About our families and life.

There are days where the connection is so welcome.  Not every day can be that way.  Some days are just scribbles of ink in our calendars – things to be done and little personal space.  As the old saying goes, “That’s life.”  Not bad, just life.

And then there are the days when table talk is comfortable and comforting.  I’m beginning to think that I need to book in more of those times.  Be intentional.  What we sow we reap!

I find it amusing that sometimes we celebrate because we are together, not necessarily because chronology dictates it.

Yesterday I was at an 80th birthday party.  Art Clarkson came into my life a few years ago when I officiated at his marriage to a lady in our church.  At 80 he is well preserved.  Or should I say – “if he were 80”?

Art’s birthday is December 19th.  But trying to created celebrations around the celebration of Christmas is always difficult.  And all the family could be present yesterday.  So the party was called and everyone showed up!  And a good time was had by all, including grandchildren pictured with Art.

Art has a regular coffee group he attends regularly.  I sat with some of them yesterday and heard a few stories.  I wouldn’t mind being a fly on the wall at some of those meetings.  May I enjoy life as much at 80 as Art does!!

As I stood beside some farmers, I asked what this tractor would cost.  Their estimates were around $500,000.  I’m not sure how close they were – my guess is that they were within the ballpark.  With the tractor is Bob Watson, service manager at Moody’s, giving some perspective on the size!  And he’s over 6′ tall!

I had been invited to attend the grand opening of Moody’s, a farm implement and construction firm in Kindersley.  I appreciated the free steak dinner, and the company of friends, and the opportunity to see what farmers are looking at these days. 

I ventured by the Farm Credit Corporation.  The helpful “sales” people helpfully showed me that my income and even my retirement savings wouldn’t even come close to starting a viable farm here on the prairies.  Disappointed, I picked up one of their very nice pens and walked away.

Thanks to Eric Friesen, manager for the Kindersley branch of Moody’s, for the invitation.  As a part of our congregation, he seeks to live a Christian life in the marketplace.  Anyone who pushes beyond the safety of a private spirituality and is willing to live as an open Christian deserves praise in my books!