daily life as life goes on . . .

For the past few years our “city” visit has been to Saskatoon.

Don’t forget, Kindersley is at least two hours from any notable city.  Any way you go!  You can ride a horse – which takes longer.  And biking for me would be an extended time I would have not time for.

So, when we realized that traversing Saskatoon to get to our favourite spots was restricted by road construction – which would add up to 1/2 hour extra time – we decided to venture to another town. 

Medicine Hat was our choice.  Just 2 1/2 hours distance, we were assured this would be a quick ride.  Little did we know that early in the morning, after an hours drive, we literally saw no one (OK, one!) until we arrived in Medicine Hat.  There were no towns to slow down for of any note, and the road was fairly well straight (as straight as prairie roads can be).

We left at 7:30 and arrived home at 8:00 in the evening.  No stress driving – all our shopping was in one area of town and there was no provincial sales tax.  In all, we travelled a few extra miles but saved on gas money (gas is cheaper in Alberta).  We saw new sights and came home ready for the next day.

No bad!!

A few months ago I asked our youth group what it would be like to take a sabbath from their digital devices.  Blank stares ensued – the impossibility of it all was impossible to understand.

Well, Ed Bahler has suggested something similar for dads!

Here’s a challenge to all you dads. First, turn off those distracting audible notices when emails, texts, and voice mails come in. Make a real effort to be present with whomever you’re with.

And second, disconnect.

That’s right. On June 19th, Father’s Day, disconnect your digital device for 24 hours and reconnect with your family. You’ll be shocked by how much that quality time with your family can revive dormant relationships. And you’ll be shocked by how much you’ve been missed.

Here are two simple tips to make it happen:

1. Before going to bed the night before Father’s Day, check your e-mail one final time, turn off your mobile device, and put it in another room. You may get the shakes, but you’ll get over it.

2. Make a good plan for the day.

Alcoholics are especially susceptible during periods of boredom, and it’s no different with an internet junkie. Plan a day of special activities with your family so you’ll be less tempted to check email or go online.

I’m in. Will you take the Father’s day challenge with me?

In the past few weeks I have had around 5 surveys land on my desk or come in through email.  All of them are about what the particular company or organization should be doing.  As though we were to write their mission statement for them.

I understand that organizations change and new challenges arise.

I understand that organizations must hear their constituents.

I understand that organizations plan ahead.

But, is there a time at which there is overload?  And is that time now?

I watched an interview where one person finally out and said, “Too many open houses and surveys.”  They wanted the organization to get on with their work.

And so we become jaded – and no surveys get sent in.  I’m not sure if this is a matter of a leaderless society.  Or perhaps the risk of stepping out without first surveying the ground is too great.  Or perhaps our society has lost the moorings of truth that is anchored beyond ourselves, and we can only live with majority rule.

Whatever the reason, I just shredded another survey!

A small tree/shrub died in our backyard.  Over the past few years.  Not quickly.  I think it was just exhausted.  The brilliant burgundy leaves did not materialize this year.

Yesterday I dug a circle around the tree roots.  Today my plan was to topple the tree.

The best laid plans oft gang awry. 

But not today.  After a bit of sweat, the sharpening of the age and judicious digging the roots were severed.  As my wife talked to our neighbour I slowly rocked the beast until it silently descended to the earth from which it came.

A few cuts and the limbs were dismembered.  The stump was transported to the waste management / town dump / compost heap.  And the hole was filled in by soil.  Now all that is left is to plant grass seed.

The felling was a great accomplishment for this day.  And tomorrow?  A sermon, a farewell to a local clergy and the rest of the day as rest.  Should be good.