daily life as life goes on . . .

I continue to work through the question of “privacy”.

In Canada we have privacy commissioners.  These are public representatives – working in both the public and private sphere.  Anyone who is front facing to the public is exposed to scrutiny.  This encompasses both public events, speeches, hospital visit reports, Facebook postings, etc.  Has private information been leaked to the public without permission – intentionally or unintentionally?  Are privacy protocols in place?  Is there a rebuttal path for those who are offended?

Which addresses the bigger question of reputation and image.  We live in an age of control. 

OR not having control.  In the workplace there may be little overall control of what happens.  Memberships in various organizations means conformity to the standards which control the group.

We want a place where we can do what we want, when we want, with whomever we want.  This is what is often labelled as our private life.  Stigmas of society are not to enter this private place.  We can choose what right-ness we want to follow in this private place.  As a society that jealously guards individual autonomy this is our last bastion of “safety and security”.

That’s the one side.

Until we run up against a society that is based in communal care and concern.  Parameters need to go around how that society works – yes, evil intentions can destroy others as easily in a communal society as in an individualistic society.

But somewhere along the line I’m thinking a little less privacy, and a little more directed care would be helpful.  A lot more compassion for the other and their state of life, and a lot less condemnation would brighten others days.  A lot less of our identity being harboured in our private caves and hideaways, and a lot more finding out final identity in God and what God says of who I am.

Maybe these concerns need to be a part of how we view privacy?

Just some thoughts.

In the world of Christians, renewal has taken on varying meanings.

We might immediately think of renewal as replacing or repairing what is worn out or broken down in our lives.  From these past few years many are tired, some discouraged.  We need renewal.

But I wonder if a second consideration is in order?

Have you thought of renewal in your life as the resuming an activity after a period of dormancy, interruption or inactivity?  Look back over the last while.  Have you dropped some very good habits?  Do you need to renew some activities that were dropped because the circumstances warranted it?  Is it time to resume?

Today’s official announcement:  Kindersley Alliance Church pastor resigns – effective a few months from now.

I have appreciated the ministry of Peter Ralph, our church pastor.  I say pastor with great respect.  He was with the people, for the people and in cahoots with us!  God’s kingdom was and is coming in great visuals as we listened to Pastor Peter.  He loved to “coffee” and to be with others.  A passion for cars was a breaking in point within a community of older shaped metal lovers.  His family served with him.  The community will miss him.

I could say much more, but let me end by stating that Peter has been and continues to be a good and faithful servant for Jesus Christ.  And that is enough!!!!

Yesterday slipped by me.  Not that I wasn’t doing things.  Just that it was done before I thought the day was started.

I did make a list of activities.  Taking a friend to an optometrist meeting.  Chatting with another friend about an upcoming move.  Clearing snow.  Chatting on the phone.  Resting a bit.

All the regular things of life.

Some days you just want “regular”.