The trip to and from Manitoba ended up rather enjoyably. Unfortunately previous trips I have taken have been less than enjoyable – far too long in a seat far too uncomfortable.
But this time around, the drive was enjoyable. And the conversation with my associate pastor inspiring.
So, here I am back, trying to get things back into order. And enjoying it!
The rest was great, the return motivating.
Here I am. May the days to come be as enjoyable as those past!
Well, after a visit to Moose Jaw on the weekend (two of our church youth were in the provincial music festival – both did well), I’m now in Morden.
Our church district conference is on for the next day or so. We’ll head back on Wednesday, hopefully back before midnight. Thursday I plan on recuperating, and also seeing our son off to London for a continued stint on board ship as a stage manager.
I’ve come to the conclusion that traveling is good to do, but can be rather tiring. As I shuffled amongst friends and new acquaintances I found I was not quite at full speed. But the interaction certainly brings back the energy.
So, I look forward to the next few days!
Up at 6:00 this morning.
Funny how the previous night I was so tired I could barely entertain those who were here for supper. Today, the early time meant by 2:00 in the afternoon I had done an eight hour day. An hour or so of sleep and our evening supper meal went well with a friend.
How a day can change!
Some days my sermons kick me back – or just give me a kick in the back! An illustration took me back a few years.
I’d forgotten about the house of my dreams. In 1994 we entered Prince Albert to buy a house. I had a job offer on the table and we needed accommodations.
Our realtor showed us some pictures. She steered us to probable boxed homes. Nothing out of the ordinary, but comfortable.
My eyes lit upon an interested configuration in the blandness of the listings. Two stories with what looked like an attic style of roof. In fact, this had the grace of a mansion.
And so it was. A professional’s home, built in the early part of the century. Although not currently a heritage designation, the house had a good chance of being designated as such. Along with that would come some funding. And also come restrictions. Restore the home to it’s former self!!
Over this past decade and a half, I’ve wondered what that would have been like. Curved stairs, a rounded china cabinet, a huge conservatory, a shelf lined library, oak flooring. A friend estimated the cost to just do basic repairs would have taken up to $300-500 thousand of today’s dollars.
But dreams die hard. And maybe dreams are the best place to leave this! Maybe my mansion in heaven will look something like it!!
O yes, if you want to see how this illustration fits into my sermon, check out church at the Kindersley Alliance at 11:00 tomorrow morning, or find the sermon on our website at www.kindersleyalliance.com.