Today is a special day for me.
I prefer to celebrate the anniversary of the day I came into this world quietly, perhaps in the company of my spouse and children, but with little fanfare.
I have learned that my love has designed a 'surprise' for me. He has invited all of our children, family members and some friends to dinner at a local restaurant. Of course, this dinner is supposed to be for just the two of us.
I do not like to be surprised. Thus it is likely a very good thing that I have learned of this plan in advance. I have spent days (weeks?) thinking of ways to thwart this plan. I could feel ill, I could be honest and reveal what I know, or I could suggest an alternative plan at the last minute.
However, over the last few days, it has become more apparent to me that if my love has taken the time and trouble to try to surprise, perhaps I should honour that gift, by acting surprised.
A very dear friend explained to me once that our friends and families look forward to those occasions when they can honour someone that they love. We do not do this often enough and celebrating milestones offers us such an opportunity.
Tempting as it is for me to avoid being feted. I chose to honour their gift by enjoying my time with them as difficult as it is for me.
Imagine if when we prayed to God in appreciation and He denying us that prayer?
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
All in a Smile
Each week a child is selected to bring the Children's Lectionary from the Church proper to our Sacred Space.
Last week, one of our little friends approached our pastor after I had already made the selection. He seemed disappointed not to be chosen.
This week I waited for him. He raced towards our Pastor, stopping directly in front of him. I asked our little friend to carry the special book, a task to which he eagerly agreed.
There was no need to remind him to carry the book high above his head, he had the stance down pat. As he passed his mother and I, he turned and gave us a huge toothy grin, the pride in this gesture was unmistakable.
As I followed my little group out of the Church, I paused to reflect on that smile. How often do we wear our pride so openly? In today's world we often hide our pride for fear of being judged as boastful. We limit celebration to a low key so as not to look silly. We hide our moments of joys behind words of self deprecation.
Perhaps our God really does want us to show our pride; to boast openly of all of the wonderful gifts that he has given to us and continues to share with us. Maybe by openly demonstrating our pride in our relationship with our Lord we can invite others to join in our celebration and find the gifts of love, peace and joy that are waiting.
Last week, one of our little friends approached our pastor after I had already made the selection. He seemed disappointed not to be chosen.
This week I waited for him. He raced towards our Pastor, stopping directly in front of him. I asked our little friend to carry the special book, a task to which he eagerly agreed.
There was no need to remind him to carry the book high above his head, he had the stance down pat. As he passed his mother and I, he turned and gave us a huge toothy grin, the pride in this gesture was unmistakable.
As I followed my little group out of the Church, I paused to reflect on that smile. How often do we wear our pride so openly? In today's world we often hide our pride for fear of being judged as boastful. We limit celebration to a low key so as not to look silly. We hide our moments of joys behind words of self deprecation.
Perhaps our God really does want us to show our pride; to boast openly of all of the wonderful gifts that he has given to us and continues to share with us. Maybe by openly demonstrating our pride in our relationship with our Lord we can invite others to join in our celebration and find the gifts of love, peace and joy that are waiting.
M
After being called to the front of the Church our children were asked to list other names for Jesus. "Son of God, Lamb of God, etc." were the responses. Then from the congregation a woman said "Emmanuel".
Our pastor acknowledged her and urged her to repeat this response, which she did. He then dismissed our children and they left the Church proper for our Sacred Space reserved for Liturgy of the Word with Children.
As is often the occurrence, our children were asked to recall what they had been asked by our pastor. The children happily recalled the many names that they had issued. Then one child said, "I know, it's the 'm' word".. Majesty? Messiah? Mighty One? None of these responses suited this child's preference. So I asked, "Do you mean Emmanuel?"
"Yes" said our friend with glee. This week I learned that not all 'm' words start with 'm'.
Our pastor acknowledged her and urged her to repeat this response, which she did. He then dismissed our children and they left the Church proper for our Sacred Space reserved for Liturgy of the Word with Children.
As is often the occurrence, our children were asked to recall what they had been asked by our pastor. The children happily recalled the many names that they had issued. Then one child said, "I know, it's the 'm' word".. Majesty? Messiah? Mighty One? None of these responses suited this child's preference. So I asked, "Do you mean Emmanuel?"
"Yes" said our friend with glee. This week I learned that not all 'm' words start with 'm'.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Decision Time
525,600 minutes.
That's it, each year that is all we get.
Each day we are blessed with only 1440 minutes.
Why are these numbers to important to me?
Because I wasted about 30 of them today.
You see, a few days ago I attended a meeting that did not go well for me. In short, a chasm of misunderstanding lead to an attack of sorts on the work that I had done, consequently feeling like a personal assault.
When I awoke this morning, this meeting haunted me. The words and actions of a certain person seemed particularly bothersome. The more I thought about the meeting, the more angry I became. My anger was set to cast a pall over this sunny day.
Instead, it occurred to me that I had a decision to make. I could continue to ruminate, get even angrier and waste a day in this destructive emotion, or I could use the time that I do have for productive purposes.
As the sun's gentle morning rays warmed my heart, my anger dissipated. I chose my mood and used my remaining minutes of this day in service to the loving God who gave these these precious moments.
That's it, each year that is all we get.
Each day we are blessed with only 1440 minutes.
Why are these numbers to important to me?
Because I wasted about 30 of them today.
You see, a few days ago I attended a meeting that did not go well for me. In short, a chasm of misunderstanding lead to an attack of sorts on the work that I had done, consequently feeling like a personal assault.
When I awoke this morning, this meeting haunted me. The words and actions of a certain person seemed particularly bothersome. The more I thought about the meeting, the more angry I became. My anger was set to cast a pall over this sunny day.
Instead, it occurred to me that I had a decision to make. I could continue to ruminate, get even angrier and waste a day in this destructive emotion, or I could use the time that I do have for productive purposes.
As the sun's gentle morning rays warmed my heart, my anger dissipated. I chose my mood and used my remaining minutes of this day in service to the loving God who gave these these precious moments.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
It is Time
There are times in life when you know you have things to say. Messages to convey. Thoughts to share.
There were times, not long ago, when thoughts would have risked going unheard or unread. But now, with this electronic medium, words have a place.
Without the promise of earth shattering revelations, I will begin this legacy and bring to anyone willing to read, my point of view, my reflections, on moments in a life.
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