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For a number of months Friday has started early.

There is a 7:00 am men’s study group and then an 8:30 pastor’s group.

By noon my day is more than half over! 

But I wouldn’t trade it.  Not for a bit more sleep.  Or for a delicious breakfast. 

These times are sharing and support times.  The men read and reflect on scripture in an open and unassuming way.  The pastors reflect on their lives and ministries — often with such openness and honesty that we even surprise ourselves.

In the end, I am then prepared to meet the coming weekend.  As final preparation for a sermon comes to a head, as a church service progresses and we seek to hear God’s voice, as the local church revolves around Jesus — these moments on Friday help me to prepare. 

That was the particular prayer of the pastor’s group today — that we would be prepared for this weekend.  And that is my prayer for you as you move towards this week-end.  May you find God’s voice speaking to you in the hidden moments, the quiet concerns, the compassionate relationships, the tense deadlines, the unexpected compliments, and the painful interactions — so that you are tenderhearted, humble and open to His ministry to you this weekend.

Our journey to Calgary began 12 hours before it finished.   This was a journey for medical purposes for a friend of mine – I was the chauffeur.

The conversation was enjoyable — actually we both expressed our enjoyment in being able to be together.  We talked about our lives.  What happens over decades can barely be summed up in a few hours, but the general sense of one’s life can be expressed.

In the end, I was sorry the day came to an end.  And that is a good thing!

Last week a friend of mine asked if I could drive him down to Calgary.  The ride is four hours one way. 

The reason?  To get an MRI.

So, tomorrow I head off in the morning and will be back in the later evening.

In some ways, this is variety — which is the spice of life.  I will be away from most of my regular day’s activities.  I can be reached by cell phone, but don’t expect exceptional activity there.  I will take books to read related to work, but as much as I get read is what I get read.  All in all, I’ll enjoy this.

And as a side light, I get to watch he beauty of the prairies as they blossom from spring into winter.  From the flat prairie, to the gullies of Drumheller to the distant foothills one can see from Calgary.  That’s the side blessing!!

There are skies that impact you subconsciously.   They create emotions you don’t realize until you are rummaging around in the cupboard for comfort food, or gathering your sunscreen for protection.

The days I find awkward are those where the sky is split and the wind both whispers and whips. 

Today began with those sunny skies and calm winds.  I was ready to walk the around town.  Then the grey began to descend and the breezes increased in velocity.  I was ready to stay inside and hunker down in my reading chair.

And I hear it may snow tonight somewhere in this beautiful province called Saskatchewan.

Who wouldn’t want to live here!!