daily life as life goes on . . .

Our block has a tradition over the years of putting a "crown" up somewhere on each property.  Originally they were all located on the rooftops.  As people reshingled, the crowns were lowered, often to the front lawn. So, this morning I headed out to put my crown on the front lawn.  Thankfully the weather was a little warmer - the task thus a little easier. I plugged in the timer and lights.  Everything worked.  That's a definite plus.  No fooling around trying to figure out which bulb to change or which wire to replace.  I just put the crown in place and everything worked. I also woke up this morning needing to change out one of the light bulbs on my car.  Drove to the local automotive shop, paid less than $10.00 and replaced the bulb in less than a minute. Now, wouldn't it be nice if life was always like that!

We heard the word.  "We are going to have to cancel."  On Sunday night the Community Carol Festival was scheduled for 7:00 in the evening.  At around 6:15 a town wide power blackout happened. Hearty souls that we are, those practicing for their parts in the Festival gathered at the church where the Festival was to be held.  With candles and cell phones and emergency lighting we sang, played and prepared. For almost 1/2 hour we prepared.  And wondered when the power would come on.  We knew that once the emergency lighting batteries ran out, the building would have to be thought of as "unsafe" for a public gathering.  And we did not know how soon that would happen. At 6:50 some of the organizers began to tell us that they were planning on canceling.  At around 6:51 the lights came back on and the evening was on!  The choir I was directing (the high school choir) were first up.  After all the commotion, I was proud to see how well they performed.  And the evening continued with great success.  Thanks to all those who organized and participated!

"Rural Church Pastor's Network." Great title for an effort to pull together rural church pastors.  In a publishing world that provides information for pastors in larger urban centers, the rural church pastor often scrounges to find helpful resources.  In a workshop world that provides large gatherings and approaches to churches well over double and triple the size of most rural churches, the rural church pastor just needs someone to speak to them as a fellow traveler. On November 29th a number of us met in Rosetown.  The contingent from Kindersley was the largest one - we had seven pastors there (with regrets from three others who were unable to attend).  The day was best for relationships and sharing of thoughts on being a rural church pastor. I guess I like the idea that church really is about trusting God and loving people.  Rural church pastors know all about that! And the picture I took on my cell phone!  Well, this is sort of how rural churches work - things will fall into place sooner or later!

December 1st has been our traditional beginning of the Christmas season.  And I see no reason not to continue.  I have an artificial tree that served for the last few years.  The box still contains all the pieces so by this evening the skeleton of a festive tree will be in place. My own tradition this year will be to try and add something new on a regular basis.  By the time I head to my daughter's for Christmas celebrations on December 24th, I can hardly imagine the weight the tree will bear. I'll start with bulbs and lights in the next few days.  In my mind I have the idea of creating a tree ornament (using that word loosely knowing how my creations sometimes look!) that signifies the years of celebration I have had, and another that signifies the anticipation of the years to come.  Not sure what that will look like, but a few ideas are percolating in my netherworld of gray matter. I suppose this is one way to  create a legacy and a new tradition.  In another way, I am going to be looking for ways to highlight my renewed commitment to Jesus.  Perhaps another decoration will be centered around the "new wine" that is a part  of my life.  As I begin this season looking at the Advent of the birth of Jesus, may I find new meaning and understanding.  May that also be yours as well.