Uncategorized

There are moments where things are less than the best. 

At those times I find myself torn between speaking negatively in self-pity, or speaking with unrealistic optimism.  The thin line in between is where empathy and sympathy grow as others hear of trials in your life, but recognize that you are not trying to create pity or live in denial but rather finding place for others to “minister” to you.

All that to say that I met today with various groups and individuals who heard of my “no good, very bad day”and prayed for me, and provided support and took some of the things that need to be done, and will do them.  Hopefully I have not verged into self-pity or painted an unrealistically optimistic picture of life.  My prayer is that we find that knife edge so that ministry can happen!  And may I also find others for whom I can be a minister!

Kindersley Kobras (high school team) were playing yesterday.  I took in most of the game.  Four years ago I also attended a few games.  This is a new team, and they are in the rebuilding process.  But what a difference from four years ago.  There are more players, younger players as well as seasoned, and a feeling that they could win games.  Take a look at the team.  This is championship material!!

Yesterday I experienced the atmosphere that accompanies slowing down after a busy and emotional period of time.  During the period surrounding my father’s death activity abounded.  Then yesterday I crashed.  Well, not quite a crash, but certainly a let down.

After a good night’s sleep, I was up at 7:30 this morning.  I pushed myself, and found that the tires were on the ground ready to roll.  So today has been one of sermon preparation.  By 4:30 the basics were all in place.  And my life feels a bit more balanced.  Thank God!

Tomorrow is filled as well.  A funeral of a very sweet lady I met just months ago.  A football game of our local high school.  An evening meeting with our youth attending a presentation on Noah’s Ark.  Should be good!

There is a social phenomenon that urban centres miss.  In a high density area, the people must work with structure and procedures.  Paperwork is essential so that you do not get “lost in the cracks.”  Computer database programs help to track people and make sure programs are delivered to the right recipient.

Come to Kindersley!  Recently the Post Office had a new paperwork trail to be sure that only authorized people pick up mail.  I understand legal issues with divorces and separations and a myriad of other permutations.

Having said that, a small town is often aware of the implications of social interactions between people, and staff at a place such as the post office could easily divert touchy situations before paperwork even gets done.  OK, maybe that’s a bit ideal, but I think small town people think they have their fingers on the pulse of things.

A prime example.  After my dad’s funeral someone found that they had not placed their card at the guest book table.  They apparently purchased a stamp and sent the card to us.  The card arrived today – Tuesday – one business day later.  Here is the sum of the address:

Baker families

c/o Ron Baker

Alliance Church

That’s it.  No street address or post box.  No town or postal code. 

And today it arrived in the mailbox.  Some days you have to love small towns!!