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I see “providence” as coming upon a fresh stream in the midst of a forest when you least expect it.  The water flows cool and clear, the vegetation is sparkling green and the sunlight is unexpected.  When you arrive you are surprised.  You drink of the stream and you are refreshed.

Nothing you did prepared your for this refreshment.

Yesterday I was wondering about a talk I would give to our youth group.  I’d been asked to give a devotional a few days previous.  My schedule was such that I had no squeeze time.  And yet, in my regular routine God squeezed in a chapter from a book I was reading.  Exactly the content that would suit where our youth group has been venturing.

Then, during the day I was involved in a community committee.  One of those efforts that are helpful but can be an expense of time for which the debit on your resources sometimes outweighs the credit to your purposes.  The meetings went well.  In fact, as a committee we congratulated ourselves on our accomplishment for the day.

But the greatest providence was on the way home – a drive with a portion of the committee to return to our hometown.  In the car the conversation soon turned to God.  Now, remember, this is a “non-church” group.  We ranged from a discussion on the devotional for the youth to faith, belief, church, friends, backgrounds, God . . . In an hour’s time I had been refreshed!

Not expecting the opening in the forest, I just sat back and enjoyed!  Sometimes I wonder if God puts experiences in our way just to make our jaws drop and our senses tingle.  And then, we head back into the forest – intent on the path in front of us, and waiting to see what lies around the corner!

I was at the church shortly after sunrise (OK, maybe an hour or two later).  The 6:30 hour seemed like a good idea at the time.  Around 9:00 I was not so sure.  I was yawning and finding my reflexes a little slow.  By noon I was glad to come home and to get a quick nap before the afternoon’s activities.

Now, I’m asking myself the question – “If the saying is ‘early to bed, early to rise’, does the reverse apply – ‘early to rise, early to bed’?”  I have this feeling the yawns that are appearing now will make this true!!

What a great question!

Today I attended two meetings.  One is an ongoing meeting for encouragement and mutual activity.  The other is to forward a great idea in our community.

Both had their high points, with laughter and a sense of direction.  After I was finished them (they were back to back), I was tired but encouraged.  I actually think that we are moving ahead in what we want to do.  One is to encourage “fellowship”, the other is to encourage “networking.”

Now, meetings can move forward in a grinding fashion.  With no laughter – no camaraderie – no knitting together.  Another can form a bond that will continue into other projects.  There will be laughter, an enjoyment in being together and a bonding. 

That is what I call a forward looking meeting. 

What we accomplish today will be helpful.  How we prepare for the future is just as important.  If our community is to change, there must be bonds formed that will carry us forward to the next civic improvement.

I take seriously the idea that we want to ask “How can I help?”  One way to help is to form friendships that can forward the best for a community.  And in the midst of all this, may God and His name be forwarded in such a way that we truly begin to hear echoes of the idea – “May your kingdom come, may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

OK, so I’m into alliteration!

As the day began my friend, Cal Ross, was wondering if her could head home to Calgary.  The snow was beginning here at Kindersley and we soon found that the snow was coming from Calgary.

Instead of leaving for the blizzard, Cal decided to stay.

We ate an oatmeal breakfast, a chicken orzo soup for lunch and pulled beef for supper.  We had the new Anglican priest and his wife over for afternoon coffee, friends for supper and a hospital visit in later afternoon.

What fun!  Meanwhile the snow also fell here and the greens are green and the colors vibrant.  What a great day for a time that was cloudy and overcast!