daily life as life goes on . . .

This was a day to head into our nearest city (2 hours away) and have an appointment with our pace maker clinic.  Routine.  Yearly.  Average.

As we walk into the hospital we meet a pastor friend.  We discuss current pastoral issues that affect our church and his. 

Off to the pace maker clinic.  Jill explains she has encountered some heart problems.  The clinician immediately contacts our cardiologist (who just happens to be in today), and we are given an appointment in the next hour or so.

As we sit to get tests for the appointment, a friend of ours (who worked on a previous CD I produced and is now doing sound equipment as well), sat down next to us.  We traded cards and I will consult with him on sound upgrades we are considering at our church.

The appointment reveals that further tests are needed.  Perhaps nothing unusual will arise, but it will rule out some potential problem areas.  And the testing will take place in the next month or so.  Not bad, considering we had asked for an appointment with the cardiologist a week or so ago, and had been told we would have to wait until July.

All in all, the small miracles added up to a great day!

I was pleasantly surprised by a turn of phrase.  The word cluster stopped me in my tracks.

A family I would call friends has a gracious way of letting you know that you are appreciated.  They will comment on Facebook, send cards, and be generous in their words.  This is the kind of people you want to know, and enjoy knowing!

This past week we received a card from them.  Nothing out of the ordinary – but truly extraordinary.

In our day and age we don’t much pass us cards anymore.  Nor do we often show appreciation unless prompted by a Facebook comment or an unintentional serendipity crossing of paths.

Which makes those who have a discipline of encouragement all the more unusual. 

May their tribe increase – and may I be one of that tribe!

Well, 24 hours (or so) later, we’ve seen Christopher and Hannah – the grandkids.  And also Alli and Scott.

A quick trip.  An opportunity for connection.  And a fun time.

Supper was ribs – a favourite of the family.  And a favourite of mine!  After supper a short while together before the kids headed to bed.  And then the adults were not far behind – somehow busyness catches up to us.

This morning I walked the town – a few blocks only.  The morning was cool and crisp and cold.  Found out the boil water order for Birch Hills had been lifted.  Had breakfast, helped clean  up some games, walked with the grandkids, ate lunch and headed home.

And now we are resting at home.  Enjoy you evening.

Those were the words we spoke as we left a Passover Seder last night. 

Often we forget that in the “time” of many parts of the world, the night is the beginning of a new day.  We are not waiting for the sun to rise.  We are not waiting until after our rest.  We are not waiting for our break-fast.

When the sun goes down, a new day is dawning. 

In the Christian calendar, today is Resurrection Sunday.  This is the day we remember that death is conquered.  Our death will have meaning – a future.  Our living has meaning as well – we are a part of the “present” which is further unwrapped in the future.

So, as we left the meeting hall the facilitator said – “He is risen.”  We responded – “He is risen indeed.”  Not risen in our thoughts.  Or risen in fiction.

NO, Jesus is risen.  In time and space, 2,000 years ago.  Documented, wind touched, sun crested time.  And we know that God cares for us, for in flesh and blood He provided a way back to him through Jesus.  Thanks be to God!