daily life as life goes on . . .

When I first decided on Christian ministry my sights were set on teaching.  I naively expected that imparting information was enough.

I still think speaking truth is important, and is a bondage breaker!  But the matter of relationship and just “loving on” people enlivens that truth.  You live truths – in everyday situations. 

Today a group of regional pastors met.  We discussed theology, pastoral issues and personal concerns.  Life and Truth embraced!  We walked away encouraged and ready for God’s next day, and the day after, and the day after, and . . . 

This morning I awoke to a sense of need.  Call Gladys Coleman.  I had heard late in the previous evening that her husband was not doing well.  On Monday, Jill and I had a hospital visit with him – he had some phlegm and was wheezing a bit.  In a normal situation antibiotics and drugs would have cleared this up fairly quickly. 

Ray Coleman had MS for a number of years, his body had restrictions in movement and his system could not effectively cope.  He passed away in the night.

Gladys and her family are grieving.  At the same time she rightly explains, “I can see Ray walking right now!”  To be with Jesus is far better!!

Life and Death intertwine when we least expect it!

A grandfather only needs to hear once that new pictures are needed!

Christopher, our grandson, was here for a week.  Allison drove back today leaving behind good memories and anticipation of seeing them again in a short while.  Of course, the definition of a short while is all relative (in more than one way!!).

Our son Tim also dropped in for a week or so.  He was quite glad to hold Christopher and play the uncle part to the hilt!!

When all is said and done – it’s all done too quickly!

I’ve been digesting small chunks of Calvin Miller’s The Table of Inwardness.  This is a 1984 InterVarsity Press book, and on page 82 is the following:

The highest kind of oebedience does not come from always asking, “What will you have me do?” but in the moment -by-moment rehearsal of our love for Christ.  My wife and I love each other, and as we live in the enjoyment of our relationship, we continually surrender our wills to each other.  We do not continually ask, “What would you like me to do?”  Because of our relationship, we know each other’s desires and we do all we can to meet them, often without the exchange of words.

St. Theresa said that the best prayer was the meeting of silences; when God’s silence envelops us, though no words pass, the presence itself communicates.  It communicates the divine will and leaves our own desire empty and waiting for instruction.

Sometimes all things change and nothing changes.

For most of this past year we have been empty nesters.  Our children have been elsewehere in the world and we have been focused here in Kindersley.

Life becomes rather staid, if not almost predictable.  We arise and shine around 8:00 or so – move about our daily activities and head to bed without much commotion!

Allison arrived here on Monday afternoon.  She decided to wander down after talking to her brother in the morning.  He is here with us so this is the perfect time to get to see each other.  Our grandson accompanied Allison.  He loves to smile and is quite active although not irritatingly so.

So the house has noise, the activities are anything but predictable and we feel like we are at “home”.

Ah, the pleasures of life in the parent lane!!