Uncategorized

Taken from Penticton Western News – Wednesday, July 20, 2011 – Ad for Superstore.

Feeling like life is less stressed?  These last few days I have found that the things that I enjoy doing – I have been able to do.  And when I add up this week these are some of the stats.  Up by 6:00, appointments carried throughout the day (with less TV than usual!), loss of my extra weight, and a strong spirit.

And yet, I’ve done more than usual.  Perhaps the idea that you don’t do what is necessary and do what brings joy has some merit to it.  Interestingly, the unnecessary/joyful things that have gotten done have proven to be the necessary things to promote my ministry and my life.

Now, there is a paradox!

Today’s funeral was unlike any other.  The family requests stretched the service to almost 1 1/2 hours.  The graveside lasted for an extended period.

In most cases we would say this was extreme.  One might even say that the time frame was too long.

If anything, this brought a new appreciation to my mind.  You see, the family sought to be a family.  They moved into action to comfort one another – time was not the most important thing – people were.

And so, although I believe in order and good time frames in funerals, I saw today the place of people and relationships in play.  Perhaps the combination of structure and freedom needs more exploration!

“Cease from that which is necessary.  Embrace that which gives life.   These two things taken together , make up Sabbath’s golden rule.” 

Mark Buchanan, The rest of God:  restoring you soul by restoring Sabbath.  W Publishing Group, 2006.   Page 129