A Fellow Traveller

The crowds are thick around me and there's all kinds of noise.  I have a fear of getting lost among the legs in the crowd. In a panic I reach out to hold my dad's hand, relieved to find him within reach. When I want to go my way and feel him pulling back, I yield and follow because I don't want to get lost. There's safety in hanging on tight and walking with him but my legs seem to get tired,  trying to keep up. Maybe there's a better way. If I were to jump into his arms and have him hoist me up on his shoulders, I would be above the crowds. It would be scary getting up there and I'd have to hang on extra tight (especially at first) but I could see what he sees.  I wouldn't have to worry about what step to take next because he would be doing all the walking.Who knows where he might  take me next? There's exhilaration in letting go of walking my way and riding on his shoulders.  Now I can whisper in his ear and know that he hears what I wan

For past number of years, ever since I heard that ALS (Lou Gerig's Disease) was joining a family of six, I've been joining them at their beautiful home for family devotions.  We have read a story from the Bible and talked about who God is and what his rescue plan is. We have realized that the whole Bible is really one story of God's "never-stopping-unending-love." We have grown in our ability to pray out loud.  We have realized that this God we can't clearly see, can be a part of every day with us. My stories have been about how I have become aware of God's spirit with me at  school, where I am a teacher.  The children have connected to my stories, asking for new ones each week.  As we have grown in our awareness, it's gotten easier to talk to him and not just ask for things. From the youngest to the oldest, we have all taken turns praying. This week, Mom has moved into hospice; a different home where the nurses will be able to provide wonderful ca

You have to watch this video (Romancing the Wind on YouTube) to believe it can be done; three kites simultaneously riding the wind currents to create beauty, all controlled by one man, Ray Bethel. Amazing beauty to the senses of sight and sound.   Oh to be free to fly as a kite in this way. Oh to feel the wind beneath me and feel in sync with those around me. I don't want to keep bumping into others or get tangled up with negative emotions. Oh to feel like I'm fulfilling my purpose as part of routine daily flights. I'm afraid my kite is often down on the ground or in need of repairs. But if I can allow the master kite flyer, the one who created me and knows me best, to do the needed repairs, then I can see these 'down' times as just a season of time.  If I can rest in the fact that he made me as I am and he loves me, then I don't have to stress over outcomes or circumstances. It's not my job to control things but to allow myself to trust the k

Here in Canada, we are celebrating Thanksgiving. I love this early October celebration as the trees start to change and show their true colours. It's like we are finally getting a real glimpse of the inner beauty hidden inside some the trees. It takes the harshness of the weather conditions and the lack of nourishment to bring out that colour. In the same way, it often takes the hard times of life and it's challenges to bring what's inside me. Sometimes it's ugly and sometimes it's beautiful but it makes me more aware of me. I am good at pretending; of smiling and thinking all is well. When the hurtful words come out, I'd like to blame my circumstances or other people, because then it's not my fault. It's taken time, but I'm learning to accept myself with my unique colours and allow God to work on the stuff than needs removing. I'm so thankful today for the bits of love, joy and peace that I have experienced in this past year. I see that n