daily life as life goes on . . .

Lately I’ve run up against the “system.”  There is the inequity of institutions that do not include mercy in their approach.  Loans that cannot be renegotiated, policies that do not allow for latitude, people who work as managers without authority. 

But this morning I was heartened to meet with a manager who is trying to work the system for the good of the people.  She had talked to superiors and they gave some latitude.  Now she would work with a board to see where things could go. 

May we find more people who work for the people and find ways to make the spirit of the law overcome legalism!

As we sat down for lunch in the spacious dining hall at Caleb Village (our local seniors apartment), I glanced out the window.  A block away houses are being built.  And there on one was a figure.

The builder looked to be holding on by the fingertips.  The posture was one of sprawling.  As one would do on ice to distribute the weight and not crack the crust of the ice. 

Except this was probably 10-25 meters up in the air, not flat on a lake’s surface!

We went back to eating and when I next glanced the roof top was empty.  Was this a case of falling from the sky?  Had the worker safely descended, or had gravity prevailed?  Who would know?

Well, not to let the story out of the bag, or to speak of new chicks learning to fly – but I know the roof hanger!  She has been working the last while, with a restraining belt hooked to a “lifeline”.  I texted her later in the day and she indicated that she was still alive (at least she returned my text).

And so, another day passes and she can actually say she was “just hanging around!”

These past few days our community “young deaths” have plagued our thoughts.  A suicide, then a twenty something whose health concerns didn’t seem that bad.  On the other side was the death of a ninety-something whose last few years had gradually deteriorated.

But, unexpectedly today, I was confronted with another sense of grief and loss.  Our community has also seen established leadership resign, move, and generally leave us!  I didn’t realize how much I had developed a sense of trust, a sense of stability, a sense of a community team!  This is the same type of thing that develops in a football team over years of working together.

But, right now our community is returning to a first year team.  I grieve the loss of a former vision, but at the same time God is in control.  Where will we go next?  Only God knows!  But it will be the best place to be!

Today I was discussing the phenomenon of “blogging.”  For many of us who began blogging six of seven years ago – the novelty has worn off.  The entries are not quite as frequent (although the desire is still there).

My dad often asked – “How do you think of things to write?”  He wondered where the new thoughts arose, where creativity comes form.  I sometimes wonder too!  And then I sit down at the keyboard and start a sentence.  And soon more comes.  And in the words I find enjoyment!

I won’t promise more blogs – but I will try to sit at the keyboard more often!