All is Calm . . .

Just 4 more days, and the BIG day is here:  December 25--CHRISTMAS.  Christmas preparations at our house have been different this year.  We won't be celebrating Christmas at our home (going to our daughter's later in the week), so why go to all the work of putting up and taking down a tree, or getting out all of the decorations?  We didn't have complete agreement on that matter, so there are a few decorations scattered around, and a small tree (that will easily slide back in its box when we're done with it) perched on a table in the corner.  With little entertaining planned, we did very little baking.  And, with decreased gift-giving, I have been able to create more and buy less.  All in all, it's been a calm and peaceful time!

And I wonder:  With fewer and simpler preparations, will Christmas be any less enjoyable when it comes?  Only time will tell, but I do know that the preparation for Christmas has been far more enjoyable, and I am much less stressed.

The Christian church observes this time of preparation as a time of waiting and expecting:  Advent.  While the world around us bustles with busyness, we are encouraged to be still; to wait and watch and listen.  I think I get that just a little bit better this year.

I'm not very good at waiting.  Patience is not a strength I lay claim to.  But, I am learning.  Likely it will be a lifelong lesson.  This year I have learned that waiting does not mean being impassive.  Even while I am waiting, I am doing.  Evenings find me sewing or making fudge.  Daytime finds me contemplating, and thinking about others.  Because I am less invested in myself and my preparations, I find I am more aware of others.

And maybe, just maybe, that's one of the lessons of Christmas:  get out of yourself, and get into others.  After all, that's what God did for us at that first Christmas time.  God came to us--to be with us, as one of us--to show us how much we are loved.  I'm not saying I do a great job of this, but I've at least become a little more aware.

So friends, as I close, I wish you all a peaceful and calm Christmas, and at least a few moments in the midst of your celebrations to remember: remember that, above all else, Christmas is a gift of love--from God to you, and to me; to our Muslim brothers and our Baha'i sisters; to the homeless teen and the atheist neighbour.  God's love is for all.  THAT is cause to celebrate!
Merry, Merry Christmas!!

In the good old summer time . . .

It's summer time in southern Ontario, and for a few seemingly brief months the world changes, and "the living is easy."  Life is not like we know it during the rest of the year.  It's laid-back, relaxed and somehow freer.  There aren't too many of us who don't enjoy summer or at least pieces of it.  Yes, sometimes the heat and humidity are overpowering; and sometimes the neighbours' parties are a little louder than we'd like; but overall, summer is--as the kids would say--"a pretty sweet deal."

There is something powerful in the creation that surrounds us:  the serenity that comes with sitting beside a lake and listening to the eternal 'whoosh-whoosh' of the waves on the shore; the peace that comes while watching the fluffy clouds drift across the azure sky; the calm of the breeze in the trees; and all of it soothing the ravaged soul, battered heart and bruised mind.  Surely all of this, indeed all of creation, have been created and given to us as a gift--a gift given out of the deep, deep love of the Creator.

I have heard folks moaning about the lack of church attendance in the summer.  I have heard complaints about how few people there are in worship spaces all across this land on summer weekends.  But surely if we have been given this creation, is it not right that we spend what time we can  enjoying it?  Should we not be at the lake fishing or swimming or just communing with the sun?  Should we not be enjoying the outdoors while playing or watching baseball or soccer?  A trip to the cottage or campground means a chance to get just one step closer to our creation.

So, what DOES our God require of us?  To do justice; love kindness; and walk humbly with our God.   For some of us, that means faithful, weekly attendance at worship.  For others it means a trip to the cottage; a walk in the forest; a canoe trip up the river.  And above all else, it means caring about and caring for our brothers and sisters in any and every way we can.  It means whether we worship our Creator on Sunday morning in a worship space; or on the hiking trail in the local forest, we WILL do justice and love kindness, caring for God and neighbours just as we care for ourselves.

Oh, and BTW:  that's for all time, not just summer time!

Here's Hopin'

My friends Sarah and Ian became first-time parents recently. Gwyneth Maude Rowan Campbell was born on May 26, 2011, 10:52 a.m. at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. Now, the birth of a baby is nothing new--or spectacular. Babies are born every day--to first-time parents and to long-time parents.

But the birth of Gwyneth was particularly notable. She was born 3 months early; delivered by cesarean section to save her mother's life. She weighed in at an amazing 1 pound 7 ounces, and was 11.5 inches long. Yesterday, July 26th--two months later--Gwyneth's mom, posted this on her facebook page: "Well, Miss Gwyn is now 1895g! Almost 3x her birth weight - I can hardly believe it!"

For those of you who are "metric-challenged" (as I am), 1895 grams translates to just a hair over 4 pounds! Amazing, really, isn't it? Three months premature, and the will to live; the hopes and prayers of family and friends far and wide; and the amazing medical team at Mt. Sinai have brought Gwyneth to this miraculous place that two months ago few dared to hope for.

But here's the thing: if there was ever anything or anyone that spelled hope for me, it is Miss Gwyn--Gwyneth Maude Rowan Campbell, and her amazing resilience and will to live. In her short two months of life there is a monumental story of hope for life; hope for health; hope for wholeness and happiness, even in the face of what appear to be insurmountable odds.

Hope is a peculiar commodity. We can't see hope. We can't touch hope. We can't smell it, or hear it, or taste it. Yet, we know it exists, because each of us carries it within us. God created us with hope in our hearts. We can feel hope. We can express it in words and dance and music; in writing and in living. Hope shapes who we are. It guides our decision-making and our parenting. It lifts us from the 'valley of the shadow of death', even as it carries us through times of joy and times of despair. Yet, without hope; without even a whisper of hope lingering somewhere in our lives, we are pretty much nothing.

Yes, we were created to be people of hope and health and wholeness. And yet daily we find all around us selfishness and greed; violence and aggression. Nation battles nation; religion battles religion. People plot and strategize how they can have things their own way; how they can care for their own needs first. 'Looking out for number one!' we call it. This isn't about hope. It is about darkness and despair and hopelessness. And it's certainly not what our Creator intended, me thinks!!

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to get some cheap tickets for tonight's performance of the play Camelot at the Stratford Festival. What a powerful piece of entertainment!! Camelot is a play about selfish desires, and about hope. It is about the nature of true love and companionship in a world that is more interested in war and enemies. During the play, King Arthur says this, ". . . violence is not strength and compassion is not weakness."

Violence is not strength and compassion is not weakness.

Indeed, if it were not for compassion, where would we be? Created to be people of compassion, our Creator places in us her hopes and dreams for life and living. Without compassion, would there be any hope in this world, and in this life, or would it simply be an eternity of darkness and pain?

Compassion IS the only hope of this world, and of each one of us. Funny, isn't it, that it is only in giving up our selfishness and taking on compassion for others that we find our true selves. Only in caring about others before I look after myself do I truly become the person I was created to be.

Funny . . . maybe. Fulfilling . . . for sure.

Depression

According to the psychiatrist I visited this week, I am living with Major Depressive Disorder.  I wasn't sure whether to be relieved or concerned when she told me that.  But at least I had a diagnosis.  And now, I can honestly tell people, "I have gone off the deep end."

I have been struggling with a variety of symptoms for several months:  inability to focus or concentrate; sleeping issues--too much and insomnia; feeling sad and hopeless; low self-esteem; etc, etc, etc.  You get the picture!  I wasn't really surprised at the diagnosis because there is a history of depression in my Mom's family, and personally, I am struggling with some very difficult issues right now.  So, that's that.  I am depressed.

I write about this today not to garner  your sympathy, but because I think that mental health and mental illness are still huge societal issues--even today in the 21st century.  Depression is a word we are reluctant to use to describe someone.  We avoid people who are mentally ill (as if they had the plague); and we speak of mental illness in hushed voices , as if it were some dreaded disease.  Maybe that's it:  it IS a dreaded disease!  But come on, folks, when we can be so concerned for people's physical health; and when we can perform so many feats of medical marvel to cure folks' physical ailments, why still the 'hush-hush' attitude about mental health?

So today I tell you, I am living with Major Depressive Disorder.  Yes, I can still function, but some days it takes more energy than I have just to get up and get going.  Other days, I can do many things.  I've always loved people, but now I find myself sometimes feeling anxious about going out or being with people.  I've always been organized, with lists of jobs to undertake and more than enough energy to do it all, but now it's sometimes difficult to get the dishes in the dishwasher.  As much as I really don't want to feel this way, I can't make it better--no matter what I do!  And believe me, that is probably the hardest part of this disease!

So, friends, please don't talk about me in hushed tones, or veiled references.  I am depressed, and that is the way it is.  Please give me, and all of those living with mental illness, the dignity of naming it what it is.  Treat me as you've always treated me.  Show me dignity and respect, for dignity and respect are the hallmarks of life and of relationships.  I'm sure if Jesus had spoken English, he would have spoken of dignity and respect, for how can we truly love others unconditionally, if we cannot respect them, and give them their dignity?

Parents and Kids

The other day a friend of mine with a 6 month old posted this on her facebook page:
"I'm so in awe of a parents' love for their child...it grows deeper every day! What a Blessing ___ is to me!!! A whole new level of love I never knew! :)"


I don't think I could have said it any better myself.  In fact, I think I remember thinking the same thing when I had a brand new baby--3 times.  Each time I was amazed at how much love I could feel for this little thing who kept me up at night; who trusted me with all of their heart; who filled me with dread when they were sick; whose smile melted my heart.  I was amazed at how my love could grow each time a new child arrived in our family.  Who knew there was that much love to share, and it would grow exponentially, over and over again?!!


My children are all adults now (although they will always be my children!)  And they are amazing young people.  I am so proud of them for how they are making their own ways in this world.  I am amazed that despite me and my continuing fumbling attempts at learning how to parent, they have become such wonderful young people.  I am in awe of them daily for the big and little things they get right in their living!


And yes, my love for them grows deeper and wider each and every day.  Children truly are a gift from God!  What more wonderful gift--and miracle--could there be?  When we consider the miracles of this world, I can't think of a greater miracle than the chance meeting of 2 cells that creates a human being, with all of their intricate wonders.  God is alive and active!


So, whether you have children or grandchildren of your own, look around you and consider the children of this world.  They are the most wonderful gift that could be given to this world.  Yet, so often we blame them; put them down; pooh-pooh their childish ways; or, push them aside, because 'they are only children.'  


The Bible tells us, "A little child child will lead them."  May it be so, for you and for me, and for this world.  For what other hope is there?

I Deserve That

It's a word I have decided to eliminate from my vocabulary:  d-e-s-e-r-v-e; deserve.  We use it so often to talk about what we, or others, receive--or do not receive--in the way of everything from weather to jobs to lottery winnings.

My dictionary defines the word in this way: deserve; merit; to have earned or be worthy of something.  If someone we know wins the lottery, we look at them and their lives and evaluate their win.  "Well," we might say,"she has worked so hard.  She really deserves that win."  Or, if someone we hear of loses their job, or ends up bankrupt, we do the same and say, "Oh well, he always was lazy.  He deserves it."

But really, what right do we have to judge or evaluate whether someone is worthy or has earned something?  What do we actually know of others and their gains and losses; their battles; their demons; their joys and their passions?

We are all human beings, come into this world created in the image of the Divine.  And yet, we are merely human.  Our lives are shaped from their earliest moments--for good and for bad--by other humans.  Influences far beyond anyone's control mould us and shape us into the adults we become.  How, then, can we even begin to value or devalue someone's worth or merit based on who they are or what they do?

At our core, each one of us is a beloved child of our Cosmic Lover.  At our core, each one of us is created in the image of our God.  No one of us is better, or worse than the other.  No one of us is more deserving--or less deserving--of good or of bad.

I have known no child who deserves to have Autism, and yet millions of children--and adults--live with it.  I have known no adult who deserves to live in slum, or slum-like conditions, but I have known many, many who do; and how many millions are there out there whom I will never meet?  I have known no one of any age who deserves to die the wicked death of cancer or Alzheimer Disease or Parkinsons, or any of those hundreds of other diseases that slowly rob us of our dignity and our humanity.

How then, is it, that we think we can blithely claim someone does, or does not, deserve this, that or the other thing?

To be a human is to be a child of God; created in love, with hopes and dreams attached.  It is to be valued as a whole, healthy creation; to be judged a masterpiece of fine art; to be loved unconditionally, and always.  Who we are is never about deserving, or not deserving.  It is always about WHOSE we are, and will always be.  Thank God for that!

I'm Sorry

It's just two little words, but often they are the two hardest words for us to say.  "I'm sorry!"

For most of my life I was one of those people who just couldn't say "I'm sorry."  I had grown up with the idea that I had to be pretty much perfect (NOT that I WAS perfect; just that I SHOULD be).  I was a first child, and a girl to boot, and I felt some pretty heavy expectations when I was growing up.  I never did have a chance to check out with my mom if those expectations were real or not, but I think that somewhere in my silly little brain, I equated saying "I'm sorry" with being imperfect--which definitely did NOT fit the expectations.  Crazy, I know, but that's how it was!!

Thankfully time teaches us many things, and one of the greatest lessons I've learned over the past 15 or so years is that it is so easy to say, "I'm sorry"--and to really mean it.  A part of that has been my learning that I live amidst an imperfect people.  No one of us is perfect.  We are all broken people.  And, it does, in fact, take a lot more energy to be perfect all of the time than it does to just be our imperfect selves--not to mention that it's way less fun!

I've also learned that when I do hurt someone else, mending the relationship is a whole lot easier when we begin with "I'm sorry."  So, imperfect one that I am, I keep stumbling along, doing my best to be in relationship with others and with God.  Some days I manage just fine.  Other days--not so great.  But most days, now, saving face and being perfect are far less important than maintaining good relationships.

I think that's what God intended when God created us:  not that we be perfect people, but that we be people who can learn to live with each other; with creation; and with God.  Saying "I'm sorry" is just one learning that helps make the living that much easier.

Thank God for the chance to hold on to our friends, and make new ones, with just two little words:

I'm sorry.

It's Time to Get Serious

It's time to get serious about the election.  We've lived through just over four weeks of campaigning; of promises and platforms; of election mobs and townhall meetings; of smears and bad-mouthing and put-downs.

But not it's time to get serious.  Now it's time to consider carefully who we will vote for.

So often we take for granted our freedom to vote.  In fact, some people take it so not-seriously that they choose NOT to vote.  Or, they just vote for Nancy Nuts or John Judge because they represent the party the person has always voted for.  I wonder, though, are either of those choices faithful?  If we don't do some homework--reading up on a party; attending an all-candidates meeting; listening to a debate--if we don't do some research, are we voting faithfully and thoughtfully?  And, what are we saying if we choose not to vote at all?

As followers of Jesus, we have a responsibility to ourselves, to others, and to this world.  We are responsible for loving God, others, and ourselves in all things and at all times--especially in election times.

In his inaugural address, John F. Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country."  Not to deify JFK, but I can imagine Jesus saying those words also.  Don't  ask what a party or a candidate will do to help you, but what they can do to help this country, and ALL of the folks of this country.

If you are reading this post, it's likely you are living a pretty good life.  You own a computer.  You are connected to the internet.  We are a privileged people.  But, there are so many in this world--AND IN THIS COUNTRY--who are not so blessed.  Perhaps it's time for us to think about those folks when we go to the polls.

Maybe it's time for us to makes choices that benefit our abused sisters; our children who live in perpetual poverty; and our brothers caught in cycles of addiction.  Perhaps it's time for us to choose in support of families living below the poverty line; the unemployed and the underemployed.  Maybe we need to think about students over-burdened with loan payments and seniors who must use the food bank.

What would Jesus want?  I don't think Jesus would opt for us to look after ourselves; to seek decreased taxes and increased health care; or, big breaks for business at the hands of poor families.  I don't think Jesus would choose for our aboriginal brothers and sisters to continue to live as they have for the past 100 years; nor would he choose improved prisons, even as the crime rate decreases.

So, my friends, it's time to think about all those 'others' out there.  What would Jesus do--WWJD?  First of all:  consider others when choosing a candidate; and secondly, vote.

It's in your hands now.  Get out and vote.

Old Friends, Old Wine, Old Gold

We are celebrating two birthdays this week in our house, so dinner tonight was compliments of The Mandarin.  It was good, as usual, and as usual, I ate more than my share of peel and eat shrimp.  At the end of the meal, as usual, we received our fortune cookies.  This is what my fortune said:  "Old friends, old wine, old gold are the best."  What can you argue about that???

Unfortunately my wine never stays around long enough to get old.  And gold . . . well, I've never ever owned much gold.  But friends, I'm overwhelmingly rich in friends--old and new.

There's something wonderful and rich and rewarding about old friends.  I have several friends who have known me for the better part of 40 years and others with whom I've shared life's ups and downs for over 25 years.  I have a group of 'girl' friends who have been good and faithful friends since our children were small, and we spent 'escape' weekends shopping in the USA.  Old friends are sort of like old shoes--in the finest sense--they now you well and you just kind of fit together comfortably.  There aren't a lot of things you have to explain, or stories you have to re-tell, because they've been around for most of it, and either know the stories already, or lived through them with you.  They know when to come close, and when to stay away.  They know when to offer a word, or a hug--or say nothing.

But you know, I also have some new friends--people I never dreamed would be close friends.  And they're pretty great, too.  Sure, they don't know the old stories, but neither do they care about them.  In my life, many of these new friends showed up at a really difficult time, and they have been loyal and caring and compassionate in ways I never imagined new friends could be.

Friends, old AND new, are amazing treasures--not to be taken for granted or easily forgotten or disregarded.    Friends are a gift from God in my life, and each day I am thankful a thousand times over for all they give to me in so many different ways.

So, if you are reading this, and you are a friend, this one's for you!!  If not, maybe it's time we found each other and became friends!!

Silent

For those of you who are old enough (i.e. over 45) you might remember the old song, "Silence is Golden".  When I was a teenager, I didn't particularly appreciate the wisdom of those words.  Life was about going and doing.  Being quiet and sitting quietly were not on my list of top ten favourites--not even on my list of top 50 favourites!

Later, as the parent of three busy children, I quickly grew to appreciate the 'goldenness' of silence.  Today I revel in it! There is nothing like a drive in the country, with the radio off.  Or, the silence of just sitting in the back yard (substitute you favourite outdoor spot here) and listening to the birds, and the wind.

But, lately I've been wondering about God and silence.
Are there times when God is silent?

Life in our household has been somewhat difficult for a while, now, and as you might guess, I've come to ask some pretty deep 'God questions.'  Where is God in the midst of this?  Why don't I feel God's presence with me more strongly?  Why can't I feel the comfort of God?   Is this me?  Is this God?

I haven't come to the place, yet, where I believe God is absent--because everything that's happened in my life leads me to believe otherwise.  But silent?  Could it be that God is sitting by me in silent solidarity?  It certainly was so in the biblical story of Job.  God was aware of Job and his troubles, yet chose to sit silently by while Job worked it all out.

I hold on to these questions, these days, silently working on puzzling them out.  Maybe there is no answer.  Maybe it is in the asking that the question has value.

And maybe, just maybe, it is in the silence that--one day--I will find my answers.

Fear . . . Not

I've been thinking about fear a lot lately--about my own fear, and about the fears of others around me.  I'm a different person when my fear, or fears, take hold of me; when I let them, either consciously or unconsciously, rise to the top.  I'm edgy; anxious; fretful and snippy.  I can easily be coaxed into an argument, and teasing becomes serious business.  Really, I don't like to live like that, but sometimes I don't even realize what's going on until I'm in the middle of it--and often that's too late!  I'm not living as the best true self I was created to be.

I see lots of people around me who also live like this:  living and acting in ways that are not their best true selves. They are possessive and controlling; snippy and gossipy; combative, argumentative, and always preparing for the worst.  That's not who God created them to be.  That's not who God created any of us to be.

But I think that so many of these people, just like me, live with a bucketful of fears.  Fear of death; fear of failure.  Fear of loss; fear of change; fear of the future; fear of the past.  For I know that in their deepest places, God created them--and me--to be loving and compassionate.  It's just that the fears get in the way.

What are the fears you live with?  Have you ever stopped to notice how they affect you?  Do they push their way into the midst of your relationships, changing you into someone you're not sure you even recognize?

One of the phrases that is repeated in the New Testament, over and over again--from the mouths of angels to the mouth of Jesus--is this:  "Fear not."  You might say, "Fear not.  That's easy for someone else to say, but they're not living in our shoes.  They don't know the way it is for us."

And you would be right.  But, I guess when it gets right down to the nitty gritty, that's what faith is all about.  If we are going to believe in God and trust in Jesus, we have to believe it all--even words like these that just smack of patronization.  "Don't be afraid," is God's call to us, and God's promise to us.  And, as Robert Munsch says, "A promise is a promise."

So, my friends, I invite you to join me in naming one--just one--fear you struggle with.  And, once we've named that one fear, let's offer it up to God, over and over again.  And as we give up that fear, let's take on the mantra, 'Don't be afraid.'  Or, perhaps you could try, 'A promise is a promise.'  Or, find your own mantra that will somehow remind you that your fear is real, and yet so is your faith.  And with God, all things are possible.

For the Birds

If NOT for the birds today would not be the day it is!

I'm sitting in my living room, window open--and listening to the birds.  What a glorious sound!  They have returned, and surely spring cannot be far behind.  I think that there is nothing that compares to the morning wake-up call of the birds in March--sweetest music to be found on this earth!!

Two of my three babies were born in March, and the thing that made those early morning feedings easy was the sound of the birds singing their little hearts out, even as the sun was peeking out over the horizon.  Although it may have seemed I was alone in those early mornings, the birds reminded me that I was not.

Surely it is no coincidence that spring is the season in which we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and the new life and hope he brings to the world of broken humanity.  For, when the entire world around us is once again coming to life--birds returning; green shoots appearing out of nowhere; and tree branches heavy with the buds of  new life--it is easy to be hope-filled, and expectant.  Resurrection just feels right, at this time of the year.  New life surrounds us, and we are reminded that one day we, too, will be new people--loved and forgiven despite our brokenness, we too will sing with the birds and soar on the wing--and all will be well.

Happy Spring, friends.  The birds have returned.

In the Moment

I am a person who has always lived for what comes next:  the next holiday; the next party; the next lunch with friends.  You know the drill:  the next thing that is a diversion from whatever it is that is the humdrum 'normal' of my life.  But all of that has changed.
Due to circumstances far beyond my control, my personal life has become a soap opera drama over the last couple of years.  Let's just say it hasn't been pretty--and leave it at that.  I struggle with depression and anxiety, as a result, and some mornings it's just a huge effort to put a foot on the floor.
But, here's the thing:  somehow, in the midst of all of the drama, I have learned to live in the moment.  I have learned that it is what is happening in the here and now that really matters--not what is going to happen tomorrow, or next week, or next year.  I have learned to enjoy the moment in which I am living, and not to worry about or anticipate the moments to come.
There is great freedom in that (sometimes too much freedom, when I forget that I have to notify others of changes, etc.).  There is freedom to love the people I'm with for who they are--and forget about who they aren't.  There's freedom to enjoy this moment--instead of planning for and worrying about the next.  There is freedom to stop and enjoy the place I find myself, without worrying about what is going to come next.  Somehow I feel richer; more blessed; more in-tune with what's going on around me.
I'm wondering if God intended us to live this way.  Is that what Jesus is talking about when he talks about the lilies, and the birds of the air?  If so, alleluia!
I am still angry about the place I find myself these days, but I am also so thankful for the opportunity to change my perspective on life.  And once this drama is over, may it be that I am able to continue to enjoy life, and all it brings to me, in this moment-by-moment way.  For in the moment, life is good, and God is great.  And may it always be so!

Butterflies

We spent a wonderful few hours on Sunday afternoon wandering around the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory.  The sun was shining.  The birds were chirping, and the butterflies were busy flying from here to there and back again.  It was a wonderful respite from the snow and cold outside.
As we sat and soaked it all in, watching the butterflies and the children squealing with delight when a butterfly landed anywhere near them, it occurred to me that life for us really could be a lot simpler than we make it sometimes.

Too often we get caught up in things and lose sight of what's really important in life and living.  But the butterfly knows what matters:  eating, relaxing, and stopping to soak up its surroundings.  Now, most of us are good at eating--especially if we are church folk!  But relaxing and stopping to soak up our surroundings?  It seems to me that we're not so good at doing that.  Instead we get caught up in the whirring rush of life, planning for tomorrow, next week and next month.  We focus on tasks and serious business, and too easily forget to stop and smell the roses--or the nectar if you're a butterfly!
God created us to be in relationship with each other; with all of creation; and with God.  But how can we build relationships when we are so busy rushing around planning and doing?  So I invite you, during the next few days, to intentionally slow down and to focus on your relationships, old and new; with people and with this wonderful creation.  What can you do to nurture them?  What can you do to build new ones?  And maybe, just maybe, life will grow simpler, and at the same time more fun.

Happiness

I'm spending the week 'discipling' at the feet of the Reverend Dr. Kennon Callahan.  We're talking about happiness--at least so far that's what we've been looking at--from a whole kaleidoscope of views.  Happiness.  It's an interesting concept.

Are YOU happy?  Why, or why not?  Do you expect happiness to be constant or momentary?  Fleeting or eternal?  Perhaps you feel that you don't deserve happiness--or you do deserve happiness.

We are all children of God.  God intends us to live in God's love and grace.  What that means is that we might not always be happy; we might not always live in the midst of happiness.  But, we DO always live in God's love, and whether the time is happy or not, we are not alone in the midst of what we face.  And in the midst of happy or sad times; in the midst of tragedy and celebration, God is present with us.

Happiness?  For sure.  What more could we ask?

Children

We watched the movie "Despicable Me" last night.  It started out a little slow, but by the end it certainly packed a punch, and it's message was clear--to me at least!  Getting along with others--making peace--loving others, no matter who they are--is child's play.

For some reason or another, as we age, it becomes increasingly difficult to love others--and increasingly easy to judge others.  Don't ask me why, 'cause I don't really know.  But what I do know is that as we age, our criteria for friends and associates tends to grow narrower and narrower.

Not so with children!  "Play with me!" is a demand given indiscriminately.  "Read me a bedtime story," is not a request reserved for a certain few.  Children have so much to teach us about loving and living!  It's no wonder Jesus invited us all to become like little children.

And then there are the words of the prophet Isaiah, who promises that in matters of peace and respect, we shall be led by a little child.

 The wolf will live with the lamb, 
   the leopard will lie down with the goat, 
the calf and the lion and the yearling^[a] together; 
   and a little child will lead them.




Kind of makes you think, doesn't it??~!!

Young People, Today!

My daughter has the most amazing group of friends. . . and I got to spend most of Friday evening with them!  Actually, all of my 20-something children have amazing friends, and I love it when I get to hang out with them.  They are smart, and articulate; well-employed, and hard-workers.  BUT, they also know how to kick back and have a good time!

When will we give these young people more space to be themselves; to take leadership in our world and in our communities?  When will we move over and give them space to join us?  When will we start learning from them, instead of insisting they be like us, and learn from us?

Our young people ( I think I mean people 40 years and under) are an incredibly under-valued asset in our society.  God has placed them on this earth alongside the rest of us 'older' folk.  And yet, somehow we still see them as 'youngsters' who have a lot to learn.  Of course they do, but don't we all???

Baby, it's cold outside!

I just got in my car to come home from a meeting, and it was glorious!  My car had been sitting in the sun, and despite the below zero temperature outside, it was lovely and warm inside.
It IS a glorious, sunny day, despite the cold temperature.  And, I am reminded of what a gift from God the sun is!
As much as I do enjoy the snow--and we've had lots of it this winter in southwestern Ontario--the sun is a gift.  It is a promise of warmth; a promise that even when things seem horrid, there is something good waiting; a promise of life to come!
It is so easy to take the little things, like the sun, for granted.  But after days of gray and cold weather, when the sun comes out, I am reminded how important the sun is--to me; to my health and my mental health; and to the health of this entire universe.
So, friends, on this sunny Tuesday . . . Happy Sun Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy V-Day, friends!
At least that's what one little boy told me yesterday:  it's called V-Day.  I guess it really doesn't matter what we call it; we all know what day it is--a day to celebrate love and companionship.  And how very blessed we are to have friends and lovers with whom to celebrate.  In our home last night, we enjoyed a lovely 'sweethearts' meal' sharing around the table with two other couples.  It was a true celebration of friendship, companionship, and relationships.
But, it did get me thinking.  What about those who have no one with whom to celebrate?  What about those who have no family? no friends? no lover?  How do they feel about this day?  Is it just a day like any other?  Do they wish they had someone to celebrate with, or does it really matter to them?
And, since it is a celebration of love--and it is my call as a follower of Jesus to reach out to others in love--what can I do for these folks with no one?
Hmmm, that is a good question:  what can I do?

Skater Girls

Family Fun

God created us for fun, not sorrow and trial.  And although those are a real part of living, they do not have to be the place that we live in always.

Last Sunday, the Sunday School of Norwich United Church held a skating party at the local arena, followed by a time of games and food--of course!  Although I gave my skates up last year (arthritis in the feet makes skating too hard), it was fun to watch the skaters, young and old.  What was especially fun was watching those who were 'new to skates' find their footing, and gather speed.  Brandon and Kirsten were especially inspiring!

There was great food, and some pretty mean games of crokinole happening upstairs.  It was a great afternoon of family fun--I mean family in the BIG sense--the family of Jesus Christ.

How do YOU make sure that you are living as God created you to, injecting a little--or a lot--of fun into your everyday living?

Donna

A Winter's Day

It's cold today--very cold!  But the sun is shining, and somehow seeing the sun makes it all okay!

Welcome to my blog!  This is a first-time thing for me--both exciting and intimidating.  Kind of a metaphor for all of life:  both exciting and intimidating.  I want to keep in touch with you, and this is a way that I can do that.  Tell me, what's on your mind?  What burning questions or issues are you struggling with?  Let's talk.  Let's get the community involved.

Let's be family together.  So, as cold as it might be, let's 'sunny up' our lives as we share the warmth of being together as a community that searches and learns together.  Welcome to Rev'd up!