A short rest this afternoon turned into a longer respite – and a cough when I arose. Funny how a slight tickle can turn into a full throated cough in mere minutes. Now, if I breathe a bit too deeply I begin to try clearing my throat. That leads an expulsion into my sleeve. And finally, the frustration of knowing this may lead to a not-so-good forced rest over the next few days!
I’m going to be praying for clear sailing instead of stormy days to come!
Today our church service started at 11:00. On the way in – from farther distances – there was much ice. On the road. With ditches on either side. Beckoning!
So, our out of town people were not there in great numbers. Another in church, whose pastor lives out of town, canceled their service.
Now, we also had the great smells of a potluck to entice people. As usual, the usual fare of food was great. And people enjoyed the fellowship.
Our numbers were good. Our joy was good. And now I’m looking ahead to the coming years to see where God is taking us – even in the midst of ice and snow, and even some sleet!!
Abraham Heschel’s book on Sabbath was suggested to me recently. His Jewish perspective attempts to root the Sabbath in Jewish Scriptures (the Old Testament). One review/comment on Heschel gives the following consideration:
Heschel says that Judaism teaches that humanity meets God in the realm of time. But if every instant (space in time) is a moment when we may feel the possibility of living differently, of “turning” to use the Jewish term (teshuva, often translated “repentance”), . . . [Sabbath] is an acknowledgment that God awaits one the next instant if only one looks beyond the things in space that occupy one’s time. The Sabbath is Teshuva, and it is also the reward for it. Both at once. The instant one performs the “turn,” one gets the reward.
Just a quick side note: I love the idea of repentance being the moment when we may feel the possibility of living differently – and we act on that. True repentance then, requires one who can create that possibility. Certainly not ourselves – we soon realize our finiteness. We need to look to the infinite creator – Jesus!
I love listening to music that is an expression of the musician(s).
Today at music festival, the equivalent of a music recital but for more people, a friend of ours played clarinet. Not just well, but very well.
Vanessa is one of those “kids” who grew up around us over the last 6 years. Last year my wife played for her at music festival. This year the pieces increased just slightly and Jill was also busier. The reins of the piano were turned over to another friend, Wayne Gibson.
Put the two together on a Mozart extravaganza and the evening was magical. The adjudicator thought so as well.
He started the adjudication by talking about being a performer, not about the instrument or technique (both of which she has a great ability to master). He said, “When you go on, and you will go on,” and proceeded to talk about stage presence.
High praise for a young lady of 16. In years to come I hope to have the privilege of hearing her reach greater heights.
Thanks, Vanessa – well done!