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I started the day with a chat with my sister, Nadia – in Rosetown.  The hour was 7:30 – 8:15.  Which meant I was out of the house by 6:30.  The drive there and back was amazing!  Beautiful clear skies, air conditioning even at that early hour and music to soothe the soul.

Then back to mow the lawn, visit the lawyer and wander around town.  Those are precious times.  Each done with no desire to consume the clock.  Each done quickly and enjoyably.  Each done!

The afternoon was spent working on Estate things.  Like forms for death benefits and income tax/GST.  Supper was warmed up pizza – which I had helped to make.

This evening I sat outside and was pouring sweat in minutes. 

And now, my eyes are closing and the day is dropping – past the horizon and into the next day.

May God bless your rest and give you peace!

Funny thing – as I finished my task of moderating the Assembly of the Christian and Missionary Alliance (in Winnipeg), I felt refreshed. 

I must be a bit weird!  I know most people would never have taken on a task like this, or felt they would even want to read most of Roberts Rules of Order!

But, for me – my passion in life is to see other people understand themselves.  When it comes to a denomination, that requires someone to stand in front and help them navigate through their thoughts and desires.  I compared this to a family meal we have together, where we sit down, order our food, and eat together.  While at the table we discuss and when we leave we go to do whatever we are called to do – as family members.

I’m sure we don’t all agree on the food we ate – some like broccoli and some steak, and some olives!  But we let each of us sit to the table, join in the conversation and have our own opinions.  Hopefully our bloodline keeps us together.

And so, this afternoon I head back home after a meaningful and extensive set of meetings.  Thanks for you prayers during this time!

Sunday, July 1st.  I attend our local church service and escape as soon as possible to catch a flight to Winnipeg.  My arrival time is plenty early and I sit in the waiting room.

Our flights gate is changed, so I move.  The flight arrives and we all anxiously await boarding.

The radar is not working on the plane.  Storms and lightning are expected.  The flight is a “no go” – cancelled.

We are all shifted to the next flight out in four hours – to arrive in time for me to get to my hotel by midnight!

In between times, I sit, read and chat.  First with a Pakistani Muslim family, then with a the Chaldean (Iraqi) Church Bishop for Canada, then with a newly married couple from Steinbach, Manitoba, then with a Bahai youth leader.

Imagine what I would have missed!

July 1st was Jill’s birthday.  As you have been reading this blog, you have seen my journey after having become a widower on May 17, 2012.

For most of the time, I have been occupied with various activities.  And for the next few weeks this will continue.

But July 1st interrupts my thoughts.  I understand anniversaries that people rehearse each year.  I also realize that this is an opportunity to grieve and to remember.

At the same time, my desire is to press forward.  I take this as a time to look at my life and see a new “birthday.” 

Where does God want to take me now?  What would be honoring to God and be a memorial for me of Jill’s almost four decade presence in my life?  These are questions that will occupy my day – and hopefully forward my life!