daily life as life goes on . . .

I awake this morning with a few things on my mind.  I recently told someone that I was having a fairly “free” day – few appointments and few responsibilities.

To which they replied that my mind wasn’t going to slow down.

I think they know me well. 

I awoke this morning to thoughts of a block party, widowhood, clean bathrooms, wash and shopping.  That was just in the first few minutes.  Then off on such topics as these next few days travel – to Unity (an hour away) for a banquet on Sunday night, to Saskatoon Tuesday and Wednesday for a Senior Pastor’s Network meeting, and to Calgary on Thursday and Friday for the inauguration of the President of Ambrose University College.

And now I’m sitting in front of this computer screen as the sun rises and I thank God for all his goodness to me.  Adversity spawns new life.  New life is never easy nor does it generate the same responses as in the past.  But new life is just that – “new” and “life”!

I choose to believe that God has more than I can ask or think in store for me.  All I need to do is walk through the doors with him and see what he has on the shelves!

Block Party tomorrow night!

That means that I will be having about 35 people over for a supper meal.  Which means I have to have space.  Which means moving all sorts of things out of the living room.  Which means – I’m looking over a few tables and chairs as I write this – no couches, no rugs, no . . .

That is the fun of it all!  And here is the dessert menu provided by a pastry chef.  You might want to show up!

• Cream puffs with lemon Bavarian cream filling
• Cappuccino and chocolate torte
• Marbled caramel chocolate slice
• Mini Red Velvet cupcakes
• Mini pumpkin cheesecake
• Mini cherry cheesecake
• Fruit tartlets with chocolate pastry
• Mini coconut chiffon pies
• Tiramisu petit fours

Some things in life just energize you.

Like leading a choir.  Or moderating an all candidates forum.  Or hosting a dinner.  Or leading a hymn sing.  These are all things that I’m seeing in a new light.

Yesterday I had the first practice with a youth choir at our local high school.

Now, I can tend to be enthusiastic when I’m involved in something I love.  And boisterous.  And loud.  Which can get me into trouble.  At the same time, there is a sense in the group that this could be fun.  The response is enthusiasm as well. 

I think we had that with the choir.  We tried one Christmas song.  Easy arrangement.  Then just threw in a different rhythm.  By then the noon hour practice time was done.

Way too quickly.

Next meeting?  Monday at noon.  Should be fun!

I’ve realized the benefit of fitness.  When you shovel snow four times in one day, either you are laid up for the next week or you are feeling quite well.

I’m somewhere in between. 

I do ride a stationery bike each day (for 20 minutes or so).  I do enjoy a bit of walking during the day (not as much as would be good for me).  And I am trying to eat following the regimen I had set up a few years ago:  select food, small portions and no snacks after eight.

As I write this, I’m glad darkness is still upon the earth.  At least I’m not feeling guilty.

I can’t see whether I need to shovel the walk again!!