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Twice in the last few weeks I’ve changed out sinks.  The previous CRANE sinks had rusted out their overflow channel.  Rust was actually showing and dripping was evident on one.

Now, I figured 15 minutes per job.  Undo a few nuts and things would just fall into place.  As I’ve learned from other trades – consider that to be one unit of time.  Unfortunately the 15 minute unit ends up being 1 1/2 hours. 

Of course, just one small thing takes the time.

On the first sink the fasteners were just slightly different.  In the end I took over a home made brace to make the sink sit firmly in place.

The second sink was much easier – at least in removing it from the counter.  I’ve learned a bit of patience in waiting for WD40 to do it’s job.  But this time a rubber ring had become quite worn.  After a number of attempts at tightening tighter I found a new part.  A few twists and no water overflowed from the joint.

Now, two more sinks are in need of changeout!  With each attempt I bring more equipment.  If I were to become a plumber I would have a complete inventory and I would need a huge transport truck to carry all I would need to be ready for the most remote possibility.

And some people wonder where the Scout’s got their motto:  “Be Prepared”.  One of them must have had a plumber for a father!!

Our XYZ seniors group met today.  Amidst the roast beef, potatoes, carrots, salad and great dessert, we had two special guests.

Karen Kotanko is new to town (when you consider the average age of our seniors groups is well over 65 years, 4 or 5 years in town is new!).  She is a musician of exceptional quality.  A mini concert highlighted the superb dinner.

Then our speaker, Pastor Jonathan Bloomfield, stood to speak.  Our tradition has been to have various pastors in town give us a Christmas message.  Jonathan is a personal friend of mine.  He is fun, sensitive, and a great addition to our town’s ministerial.

His theme was the matter of peace that the Christ child brings.  His story was an example of that.  He grew up on the “wrong side” of the tracks.  His parents were not the outstanding examples we all would like.  He seldom wore clean clothes and his bathing habits were sporadic at best.  And yet, some Christians showed the persistence to show him Jesus – in the flesh, their own flesh.  So the once incarnate Jesus became obvious to Jonathan through the flesh-and-bone people who surrounded him.

In this type of story is great impact.  I have heard his story before.  I’m sure I’ll hear it repeated again.  May God continue to enliven Jesus through Jonathan’s life to each one of us.

The morning was spent with other pastors.  We talked of church (what is the current definition), of ministry (the ups and downs) and of personal life (we are all human!).  This is the opportunity to join with others who go through the same things.  Together we prayed, ate and dismissed – seeking God’s blessing and direction.

Time well spent!

Our regional Senior Pastor’s Network is together today and tomorrow.  As the season and commitments would have it, I had to exit from the meetings for a few hours to fulfil duties back in Kindersley.

Our meetings are being held in a back road town called Herschel.  Settled in a valley, the setting is beautiful.  The retreat house is “recycled”.  The wood comes from grain elevators.  Beautiful wood grain enhanced by years of grain spilling over the wood.

The road to a main highway is one I had travelled last time we met there.  Only this time I didn’t get detoured.  Previously I had made one wrong turn and ended up on a dirt trail through a pasture.  My sense of direction kept me going until I returned to a gravelled grid road.  Today I headed straight down the road – no detours – and about 20 minutes shaved off travel time.

Tomorrow I return for the close of the meetings.  I look forward to seeing what God has in store for us.