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In the past few weeks I have had around 5 surveys land on my desk or come in through email.  All of them are about what the particular company or organization should be doing.  As though we were to write their mission statement for them.

I understand that organizations change and new challenges arise.

I understand that organizations must hear their constituents.

I understand that organizations plan ahead.

But, is there a time at which there is overload?  And is that time now?

I watched an interview where one person finally out and said, “Too many open houses and surveys.”  They wanted the organization to get on with their work.

And so we become jaded – and no surveys get sent in.  I’m not sure if this is a matter of a leaderless society.  Or perhaps the risk of stepping out without first surveying the ground is too great.  Or perhaps our society has lost the moorings of truth that is anchored beyond ourselves, and we can only live with majority rule.

Whatever the reason, I just shredded another survey!

A small tree/shrub died in our backyard.  Over the past few years.  Not quickly.  I think it was just exhausted.  The brilliant burgundy leaves did not materialize this year.

Yesterday I dug a circle around the tree roots.  Today my plan was to topple the tree.

The best laid plans oft gang awry. 

But not today.  After a bit of sweat, the sharpening of the age and judicious digging the roots were severed.  As my wife talked to our neighbour I slowly rocked the beast until it silently descended to the earth from which it came.

A few cuts and the limbs were dismembered.  The stump was transported to the waste management / town dump / compost heap.  And the hole was filled in by soil.  Now all that is left is to plant grass seed.

The felling was a great accomplishment for this day.  And tomorrow?  A sermon, a farewell to a local clergy and the rest of the day as rest.  Should be good.

The trip to and from Manitoba ended up rather enjoyably.  Unfortunately previous trips I have taken have been less than enjoyable – far too long in a seat far too uncomfortable.

But this time around, the drive was enjoyable.  And the conversation with my associate pastor inspiring.

So, here I am back, trying to get things back into order.  And enjoying it!

The rest was great, the return motivating.

Here I am.  May the days to come be as enjoyable as those past!

Well, after a visit to Moose Jaw on the weekend (two of our church youth were in the provincial music festival – both did well), I’m now in Morden.

Our church district conference is on for the next day or so.  We’ll head back on Wednesday, hopefully back before midnight.  Thursday I plan on recuperating, and also seeing our son off to London for a continued stint on board ship as a stage manager.

I’ve come to the conclusion that traveling is good to do, but can be rather tiring.  As I shuffled amongst friends and new acquaintances I found I was not quite at full speed.  But the interaction certainly brings back the energy. 

So, I look forward to the next few days!