A Fellow Traveller

This morning I woke to the singing of birds, even before the light of day.  As I lay half awake, I thought about the importance of singing while still in the darkness; of praising before the sun begins to shine. The birds seemed to be responding to the hints of dawn with loud song, celebrating a new day. Just a few hours later, the sound of their happy chirping changed.  With a loud BANG on the glass window pane, I knew another bird had realized the reflection of trees to be a mirage.  It's been happening a lot lately, in fact many times a day. Often the dazed bird lays quiet and then flies away. Loud chirping suddenly changed into cries of distress. The urgency was unmistakable.  Like a mother recognizing her baby's hunger cry, I knew something was different.  I got off the couch and imagined a bird struggling and crying in pain.  "Oh no", I thought. "What am I going to find? How will I be able to help if it's injured?" Stepping out onto the p...

Where are you God in the darkness, the darkness that paralyzes with fear? Where are you God in the winter, the winter that freezes within? Where are you God in the nighttime, the night where deep sleep eludes? Where are you God when I'm lonely, the aloneness that sucks out all hope? I AM in the blowing wind, the wind that you feel but can't see. I AM in the warmth of a gentle hug, a hug that affirms you're okay. I AM in the firmness of your mattress, a mattress that supports and sustains. I AM deep in your hurting heart, a heart I long to fill with my love.

Many months of weekly practicing finally produced a musical production called "The Promise". Everything came together on the final weekend as we presented it multiple times.  It is always fun to see something come to life out of nothing but a script with music and ideas in the director's mind. There is such a sense of satisfaction by the time we get to the end of the Easter weekend. It is always good to overcome obstacles, to find notes that once were in discord come closer into harmony.  It's exciting to combine the actors with the music, seeing the scenery add depth to each scene. Each person involved could say they had a small part in it. Only collectively could we begin to tell the amazing Easter story of love and promise, bringing history to life in the way we did.  Familiar concepts had a chance to become fresh and new as we memorized our words and music. It took the sacrificing of Sunday afternoons to work towards this end.  When things were "broken...

During the month of November, when Mom was in the process of dying, I watched the leaves dying on many of the deciduous trees around.  Most simply died and fell to the ground.  I knew that eventually they would decompose and return to the soil, becoming part of the life and death cycle of a tree. Why did some of the trees still have leaves attached?  Why were some of the branches still retaining their hold on the leaves, even after life was obviously gone......or was it the other way around?  I snapped pictures as a way to record my questions. It's now the 3rd of the month,  three months since we said our final farewells to Mom. My questions remain...... How many things dead and lifeless do I continue to hang on to? What are the unhealthy things in my life that need to be thrown into the fire? How can new life come if I hang tightly to the old and familiar patterns? Being in this "winter season" is exhausting, with it's moments of depression and grief. ...

Where are you God in the dark of my winter? I am the sparkle of light that reflects on the mountains of snow that surround you.   I am present even when the clouds hide me from direct view.   My reflection is enough to shine into the drabness and oppression of your winter season.   When my sunbeams break through the clouds, even if for a moment, you might wish for sunglasses. Where are you God in the cold of my winter? I am the layers of clothing that protect you from the penetrating chill of frigid temps.   I know you would freeze without protection so let me cover you with my righteousness.  Choose to dress yourself with my love, my compassion, my peace.   You might not even realize the need for so many layers, but when you call for rescue, I will be there with the warmth of my love. Where are you God in the loneliness of my winter? I am the presence of a friend that reminds you that you're not alone.   I know you n...

Some of you saw this poster when you came to Mom's memorial service or visited with us prior.  These were the exact words we found in the folder with her plans and wishes; her message to family and friends. Death is part of living -  Living with Jesus in my life each day Then when God says so, I'm ready to take His hand and go with Him to heaven to live there forever. When you hear that I'm dead, know that I'm more alive than ever before. I'll have a new body with new feet, spine and lungs. So don't be sad, but rejoice! I've made it home to be with Jesus! Forever! With NO MORE PAIN! There are elements of this message I'm still processing, like the first part.  How can death be part of living?  Is this the living we do with memories of death and those we sorely miss? How can dying be a part of living with Jesus? Did Mom have to die to the desire to be pain-free and trust Jesus with the pain? Did the Prince of Peace have more...

Doctor,  Mom trusted you.  She felt that you were worthy to receive that trust as her doctor at the end of her life. Jesus,  Mom trusted you.  She felt you were worthy to receive that trust as her Saviour throughout her life. Doctor,  We saw the deep level of understanding you had for Mom's wishes and desires.  With respect, you continued to ask what measures she wanted to take next, right to the end. Jesus,  We saw a deep level of faith in our Mom as she repeatedly clung to your promises in Scripture.  You never let her down, faithful right to the end. Doctor,  Mom knew better than us what the final stages of this disease would be like.  Wanting to protect Dad, we knew she didn't want to die at home.  We know you must have worked behind the scenes so "that meeting" never ever took place.  Mom never had to entrust herself to another doctor and for that we are grateful. Jesus,  You knew better than all of us...