Christmas Carols

In last month’s “Let Us Pray” Zoom session hosted by the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer, the Executive shared their favourite Advent or Christmas hymns, with a brief description of why those musical pieces were meaningful and prayerful to them. Our hymns spanned centuries, genres, and geography. It was a delight to have our National Director singing a few verses of each hymn (where copyright allowed).

My selection was “No Crowded Eastern Street” (Common Praise #129), for reasons both theological and personal. The lyrics began as a poem written in Winnipeg by Frieda Major in 1958; she later gave rights to her home parish (St. Luke’s, where I did my student internship). The music was written by Robert Fleming, who has roots in Saskatchewan, and is believed to have played at St. John’s (where I now serve as rector).

The hymn speaks of Christmas in the context of the prairies, which makes me feel at home - as I was growing up, we moved around quite a bit, and some of my formative years were spent on the prairies. I associate winter with a vast blanket of snow and equally vast sky. As an adult, Winnipeg is where my heart found home, and Manitoba brings my soul peace. This hymn encapsulates what it means for me to be home for Christmas.

I shared with the AFP gathering that the conjunctions in the hymn captivated my inner word-nerd. In verses 1 and 3, the poem conveys what the prairies lack at Christmas – a bustling eastern scene, camels, celestial choirs, etc. – “YET still to us is born tonight the child, the King of glory.”
The second verse describes the pastoral scene of uniquely Canadian setting, including the ubiquitous “great red barn” – “AND still to us is born tonight the child, the King of glory.”
The final verse then serves as equaliser for the whole human family, that whatever scenario one finds oneself in, we are brought together by the presence of Jesus: “in his presence all may stand with loving heart and willing hand; FOR still to us is born tonight the child, the King of glory.“

It’s a powerful carol, and I sing it every year. It reminds me that whatever life is like that year, home is still there: in the presence of the child, the embodiment of Love.

What’s your favourite carol? What seasonal hymns resonate for you?
Merry Christmas!

The Christmas Chameleon

I’ve had a number of encounters recently where people revealing their true selves… for good or not! There was a person who inadvertently revealed their deep misogyny, and a man who conceded that an appearance of abundance was more important than reality. There was also an individual who asked that a generous donation remain anonymous, and a woman who went well beyond her comfort zone to provide the best for her child.

Intentionally or not, people spend a lot of time revealing a lot about themselves. And this tends to happen while trying to blend in and be unnoticed – which reminded me of the common misperception of chameleons, as we used to think they changed colour to match that of the background.

For some, the holiday season will be a time where they won’t even think about being their authentic selves – for this is simply who they are, and how they interact in the world.

For some, it could be uncomfortable as they present different versions of themselves with different people. Folks who are deceitful or two-faced will be uneasy that family or friend groups may overlap, and uncover different variations of those people.

For others, the chameleon may be a necessary state, masking aspects of themselves that may be unwelcomed in their gatherings.

Identity is important; as is accepting the identity of those God has put into our lives. The gift of God's love should give us the confidence of be ourselves in the world, without camoflage. The gift of God's love should inspire us to be genuine in our welcome to all of God's people, creating and maintaining an environment where everyone is comfortable.

For those who only know acceptance, may they recognise the blessing and extend it to others.
For those who choose multiple personas, may they do the interior work to genuinely know themselves, and choose future social circles where they can engage without duplicity.
For those who feel need to keep their identities hidden, may they know the comfort of safe spaces where they can be their true selves.

And for all of us: may we be comfortable in our identity as children of God; may we realise and celebrate that God loved us all into life to be as we are; may we collectively seek ways to be safe space for everyone – where chameleon presentation will not be necessary.

Living Within Our Means

I recently got a credit card statement, showing that I owed $1. It got me thinking about living within my means! I do tend to be frugal when it comes to my spending, and I try to be generous with my savings. Partially, because I really don’t like paying interest if I don’t have to. I’ve also experienced times when the arrival of the credit card statement was cause for anxiety.

As we continue in the Pre-Christmas time, it’s not uncommon to discuss the importance of living within our means. We’re a capitalist society, and we seem to assign importance to the gift-buying season ahead.

Yet as we are also in Advent, the time of preparation, I ponder how we live within other means.
Are we being careful stewards with the other resources in our control? Are we being faithful in how we manage our time as we race towards the holiday? Have we considered how to expend our energy in the weeks of busy-ness ahead? Have we contemplated how to divvie up our spiritual care for self and others? Do we have a plan for our acts of generosity?

It is unfortunately not uncommon for us to run ourselves ragged at the holidays; we find ourselves indebted with these non-financial realities. We extend ourselves beyond our ability, which leaves us vulnerable. When we’re overextended emotionally, our shorter tempers get the better of us; a deficit in our energy means we are less likely to tap into the love we want to share and instead can be unintentionally offensive to those we’re closest to. We can find ourselves so depleted that we can’t be recharged from events and encounters that should be energising and enjoyable.

My proposal is that we try – at least a little bit – to live within our means. If we take time to pray and reflect, we can keep ourselves focused on the goodness that is in our midst, and engage in meaningful and appropriate ways. It’s okay for us to set limits in how much we give: of our funds, our time, ourselves. I would much prefer to spend time with people when I am able to give my best self; when I know what my capacity is (and isn’t), and when I am comfortable to respect that.

Living within our means takes practice, it’s not always easy, and others may not always understand it. But it is worthwhile, it is faithful, it is embracing what we have been given. It’s honouring the gift of love that we are receiving when we live authentically within that love.

Advent Avocados

Last summer, I was chatting with a dear friend about avocados. We were preparing a taco night with friends, and we are all fans of guacamole.

Avocados are a test of patience: you have to wait for *the* opportune moment.

You can’t rush it, and you can’t wait too long. (Sure, you can add heat to try and speed up ripening, or put them in the fridge to slow it down, but these are stop-gap measures)

Sure, there are hints for knowing that perfect moment (like denting in the nub at the top), but they are best guesses – the thick skin veils what’s going on inside.

Sometimes the flesh is still hard. And we all know that once it’s open you can’t seal it again. You can try to extend it with some citrus, but it’s going to go brown… faster than we want.

Sometimes, the flesh is already mushy – and even being mashed into guac, the taste of mushy avocado isn’t the taste you want in your guac.

Sometimes that pit is just way too big (and the fruit too small) to have waited so long.

Avocados are tricky.

Yet: that wonderful flavour and texture – for those of us who enjoy avocados, the journey is worth it.

Not unlike Advent: a time of waiting, of paying attention, of dwelling in expectation and hope.
Advent is also a time to realise that the opportune moment is always upon us, in ways that avocados can’t provide: for avocados are now-or-no; while Advent integrates the now-and-not-yet: Advent is not a time of no.

As we begin our Advent journey this Sunday, I hope that we find comfort and hope in the journey. Waiting, with hope, for the promise of Good News to come. As we wait, may we also find ways to bring Good News to those seeking it.

May our avocados be worth the wait; may our Advent be as fruitful as we can make it.

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Earlier this week I posted a picture of my lovely dog and a pile of his hair. He’s part husky; we go through a de-floofing every couple of days. A (dog-wise) friend made the comment “the gift that keeps on giving!” And it was true, as that giant pile of fluff got tossed outside, and I watched birds picked it off the ground to take to their nests.

I was reminded of that today as I was processing a pumpkin. It had been gifted me a few weeks ago. It was a lovely windowsill decoration, and today it got chopped and skinned and prodded. The seeds are rinsed and drying, and will be roasted and ground to seed flour for future baking. The skins were peeled and the flesh is cubed in the dehydrator – becoming treats for the dogs. One pumpkin – a gift that keeps on giving!

There are so many things in this life that follow this pattern; revealing goodness and purpose to us over and over again, often in ways we may not recognise or even understand. The wasted fur providing warmth; the pumpkin skins (and inner goop) adding to the mix in the composter, which will offer nutrients to a future crop. Such opulence, that even what we reject continues to contribute to the bigger picture.

I find faith is like this. We have God’s grace and love lavished upon us, with endless generosity. The infinite goodness that pours over us changes us, if we let it. And we are invited into the cycle of giving, as we extend grace and love to those around us.

“We love because God first loved us.” 1 John 4.19
This love is the gift that keeps on giving. We will never be unloved or unlovable; we are already and always recipients of love. What a gift to be intentional with the love that we give: to those that we love, those we like, those we don’t even know. What a gift of faith to know that the love we extend may also continue to flow in ways unimaginable and unknown to us!

Productive

I had the best plans for productivity for my day off this week. I even had a list made up!

…and very little of those things happened.
…and that’s okay!

Because other things happened, things that brought a smile to my face and filled my soul.
Instead of getting words on the page with my writing partner, we had a lovely extended conversation (that we were long overdue for). The laundry didn’t quite make it to the washing machine; but the dogs invited me into some energetic playtime. The meal planning wasn’t even begun, but I laughed for over an hour with a friend as we caught up on the last few busy weeks. I progressed in reading the novel on the nightstand. I procrastinated on unpacking some knick-knacks, I avoided the sermon prep, and the dust bunnies were still prevalent on the floor.

In all these things, I didn’t meet the quantifiable measure of ‘productive’. And I don’t mind that. Partly, as none of the “to-do” items had a strict deadline – they can all be deferred to the future.
Partly, as what I was doing was joy-bringing, and nothing was being harmed by re-aligning my plans.

In all this, I wonder if we might do well to re-consider and re-define what it means to “be productive.” Our society does seem to value quantifiable hyper-productivity. Though while there is benefit at times to getting those ‘must-do’ items crossed off our lists, there are also times when something more important comes up.

Supportive conversations produce immeasurable networks.
Making memories produces healthy levels of happiness.
Laughter with friends produces quality connections that last years.

While society may consider my day off to have been UNproductive, I think it was a good day – and was OTHERLYproductive. It’s not a bad thing to unplug from plans, and we shouldn’t feel badly when we aren’t able to catalogue what we’ve done in a day. When we do what is fulfilling, we are resting our souls and re-creating (in recreation).

We often remember that God rested on the seventh day (the day of completion); we don’t know how much God laughed and played and rested. But we can trust that God did – and remind ourselves to do the same.

UnMasked

Halloween is upon us again! The annual festivity of fun, frivolity, and unrealistically-small candies.

I’ve shared in the past my thoughts on the history of the celebration; from the celebration of a successful harvest to nourish a cold winter, to the tradition of sharing food with everyone who asks (while ‘costumes’ preserved their dignity in asking).

And I’ve been thinking about costumes this year. (My recent unpacking of the ‘Halloween box’ has helped with this!)

At Halloween, we dress up to be something we aren’t. We cover our bodies and faces with a semblance of something else. Some of these may be aspirational (ballerina or astronaut); some are comically unrealistic (teddy bear or alien), some are fun (clown or witch). When we don that Halloween mask, we know we are representing something else – something ‘other’ than who we are.
Yet so often, we were a different mask in real life. People can put on a socially accepted affectation: smiling through depression, for example, or sharing angry outbursts to cover insecurity. We know people who have put on a face they think others are expecting or will most easily receive/accept; we know we have at times been those people.

For those of us with faith, we know we do not need a mask; for we know that God sees us for who we are. Whatever is happening, God sees our true selves. We can wear a mask for others to see; we can wear a mask when it’s too difficult to see ourselves in the mirror.

But God sees us. Perfectly, authentically, lovingly. God sees us unmasked.
This can be uncomfortable for us at times, as we are accustomed to keeping certain aspects hidden. Yet as we mature spiritually, there can be great comfort in being so perfectly seen – for it means that we are perfectly known.

“I have searched you out and I know you,” says the God who loved us into being; the God who loves us throughout our days, who will love us into eternity. God is still searching for us, that we can see ourselves and love ourselves unmasked; that we may create community where others know themselves to be welcomed and celebrated as they too unmask.

It’s not easy to be unmasked in this world, but it is worth it. So while we have fun with Halloween costuming of characters and critters, let us do our best to become comfortable – and comforting – to the everyday process of unmasking ourselves before God.

Praying for Peace

Praying Hands by Albrecht Dürer

I attended an information-and-prayer session this week to learn more about, and pray for, the situation in Israel-Palestine. Obviously, our hearts were focused on the present situation of conflict, but part of our learning addressed the 75 years of geo-political conflict between states, the religious nuance of the region, the historical landscape of the conflict.*

We all understand it is a complex issue, an issue that we do not fully understand. Yet: we pray. We pray for peace, for health, and not just for the cessation of hostility but for an enduring commitment to supporting the humanity of the other.

One of our members, a gentleman I hold in high esteem, said that his wish was for leaders to sit down and pray together. “Praying Together Reduces Barriers” he said.**

While this was laid in the foundation of a discussion on present conflict, we can apply it to other conflicts: current and past; and hold in our hearts for potential disagreements of the future.

For we live in a world where conflict is a reality; it always has been and always will be.

Yet we live in the kin-dom of God, where we are called to seek peace and strive for justice. Which is easier to do when we are engaged in dialogue, intentionally speaking with one another and carefully including the Prince of Peace (who is already present, yet who we so often forget when we are riled up).

As the week continued and the wars around the world have continued, my heart has been torn by the devastation of conflict, and comforted by the promise that the peace of God is among us. My prayer has been that we would all lean in to this peace, to extend the reign of God, to commit to the hard work of reducing barriers in our own lives.

Lord, in your mercy; hear our prayer.





*Video can be found here: https://youxube.com/watch?v=fDe9mAmHsAM
**Paul Dumbrille

unStung

I was rather disheartened this past week, when a side effect of unseasonably warm weather meant a collection of stinging beasts at my front window. Having left the back door open so the dogs could meander in and out to the yard (repeatedly) without needing me to open the door each time, a decent number of stingers found their way inside the house.

For many, this is an inconvenience. I’m not aware of anyone who would intentionally encourage wasps into their home. For me, there was an element of fear connected to this – I am allergic to stings, and would prefer to leave my Epi-Pen and antihistamines unused.

I also know that the abundance of wasps in the area was due to the seasonal change; as we approach the cold weather these critters are simply searching for food before the deep freeze. They are acting in a time of survival. So, with decreasing food stocks in our gardens, the scarcity plays a role. They’re not ‘out to get me’ when they are stinging, they are simply hungry.

Hangry wasps. In the house. Not ideal.

The easiest option may have been simply to squash them against the window, and shut the door to prevent the dispersal of pheromones wasps produce when in distress. (These pheromones serve to attract other wasps to help with whatever the threat is.)

However, there was another option… a simple one, involving a glass and a piece of paper. I would catch the insect in the glass, trap it with the paper, take it outside and let it loose. It wasn’t very hard, and it wasn’t really any more of a risk to me than squishing them. (I did adjust the door to limit access, as well, though they seemed determined to check out my living room view!)

It's a perspective of how we interact with others. Sometimes, we interact in ways that are not ideal or happy.
We can control our response to folks, whatever the other person’s mood is. We do not have to tolerate negativity, we can remove it from our midst in a way that is peaceful (and ideally, helpful). We don’t need to know the circumstances of the other’s mood; but we can hope that whatever issues they are dealing with will be addressed in a beneficial way.
And we can hope that when we are not being our best selves, that others will extend the same peace to us.

I hope the wasps got what they needed to be well; while I am glad that they are no longer in proximity to me.

Inspiration

This past year, I have been reflecting on the important people in my life. I am so blessed to have amazing friends - near and far - who continue to inspire me day after day. These are folks who are there in good times and bad; I know I can call on them at any time to cry with me or laugh with me, or even just sit in the silence. 

These are formidable people who make my life better. They know the real me, and delight in that connection. And it's not just me; they find ways to reach out to their communities and make the world a better place.

One of these friends makes an effort to extend grace whenever she can, realising that a little bit of positivity can go a long way - and usually the folks we don't feel like extending grace to are the ones who need it the most.

One will send an occasional text saying "I appreciate you - I'm glad you're in my life."

One makes sure to really listen to the people he's with; knowing that a simple "how are you" without the commitment to engage in conversation isn't fair.

One is intentional about eye contact in conversation.

One will always express "you're welcome" to a "thank you".

One mails amusing cards, for no occasion, because the post shouldn't just be bills and flyers.

...You get the idea. There are more examples, and we all have them. These aren't the types of things that will be recorded in the history books, but they are the types of things that make my story better. And they inspire me to be better: a better friend, neighbour, Christian, human! And for them, I am grateful!

So on this Thanksgiving weekend, as I pause from raking leaves and unpacking more boxes and walking the dogs in the gorgeous weather, I'm taking time to dwell in that space of gratitude where I can thank God for the inspirational people in my life, and honour their gifts. 

I pray we all have someone we can call a true friend, who inspires us. I pray I can be such a friend to others as we share the journey. 

Reflecting on Reconciliation

On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we are invited to spend time reflecting on the legacy of the history of Residential Schools as a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Yesterday morning, as I was out and about, I overheard an encounter that influenced my day’s reflection. Unbidden, a man approached someone wearing an orange shirt, and emphatically engaged them by stating (unironically) that he was not to be told what to wear, and that he saw no need for reconciliation – “I didn’t do nothing!”

With more patience than I would have had, the other person tried to explain that their shirt supported the need to not stand idly or silently by. They also had not ‘done anything’ explicitly, but that we are all part of a system where we are in need of reconciliation. The gentleman was having none of it, and dismissively retorted “God will be my judge” before walking away.

Clearly, this individual was not interested in the journey towards reconciliation, nor even in having a conversation about our shared history.

And while we will all be judged by our creator, to use this truism as a means of shutting down discourse is often used as a means to avoid responsibility. Ignoring discussion about difficult topics does not resolve conflict, it disrespects the injured party and avoids accountability. It is a spiritually and emotionally immature response.

Admittedly, any conversation in which we identify and acknowledge the need for reconciliation is not going to be an easy one to have. However, choosing silence is seldom a good choice.

(I was reminded of the poem No Such Thing as the Innocent Bystander by Andrea Gibson, which reads ‘Silence rides shotgun / wherever hate goes.’)

The work of reconciliation is one where we need to commit to showing up. To listening, to learning, and to finding a way to do better. It’s about forging a new path forward with intentionality towards minimising hurt – and ideally healing some of the wounds of the past.

As Christians, we use the word reconciliation often. We have a sacrament of confession – in our Book of Alternative Services we call this the Reconciliation of a Penitent. (pp 166-172). The challenge, of course, is that it requires a penitent: someone who authentically desires to turn away from sin.

This turning away from sin (repentance) calls for action; for penance. It challenges us to change our ways of thinking and doing, so that we can correct our patterns of behaviour to do better. Penance is not about beating ourselves up for the past, but building ourselves up for the future. It is a form of spiritual healing where we dwell in the promise of forgiveness. This promise is not a magical ‘fix’ but a confidence that when we accept responsibility for our actions and do what is reasonable in order to make amends. (James 5.16a: Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.)

And so we are called to seek reconciliation for our individual actions and for our societal ills. We confess our wrongs, known and unknown – and we are called to accept the challenge of the work before us. We don’t do this to avoid the work of reconciliation, but to request God's presence as a holy companion within it. For when we are genuine in our relationship with God, we are challenged to establish right relationship with all that God loves – including those we have injured or offended.

I don’t have easy answers for our journey in Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. I don’t have easy answers for any journey that has led to broken trust and pain. But I do have faith that God will accompany us in all our journeys towards health and healing; and I pray that we will all continue to seek those right relationships.

Truth In Advertising

I’ve spent some time this week scrolling through buy-and-sell groups on social media. Not surprisingly, I’ve been looking to purchase a few items for my new place, and I do prefer to get second-hand items when appropriate. (I do love a bargain!)

Some of the items have interesting descriptions… from the basic WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) to some creative narratives about the history of the item, people publicise differently.

One commentary I’ve seen quite a bit of is a highly aspirational assessment of the item… “Brand new” or “Never used” or “10/10 condition!” It’s interesting, as many of these ads include photographs of items that are definitively NOT new or in perfect condition.

The imperfections on these items is not the problem – and in other ads, such imperfections are specified. The sellers want to make sure that potential buyers are fully aware of the flaws and weaknesses, so as to provide an honest and trustworthy experience.

When the description doesn’t line up with the item, it breaks trust. It means the seller is likely to be considered untrustworthy in future. Admittedly, it’s possible the person didn’t mean to be misleading or disingenuous, or that their emotional connection to an item has left them with ‘rose-coloured glasses.’

When these non-transactions happen, it can be frustrating, but such is the online marketplace. Yet these interactions have me considering how we represent ourselves when we are engaging with others about the church.

Obviously, we are all aspirational: we love our church, we want others to love our church. We have a passion for our community, and want to invite others to accompany us on our spiritual journeying.

So it’s important that we are transparent about who we are, when we are inviting folks to seek Jesus with us. It’s helpful to let folks know what we do well – and what our growing edges are. To share our moments of joy – as well as those times where we knew we needed to re-assess and adjust. To highlight where our engagement lies – and places where we are okay with others excelling.

When we are honest with ourselves about who we are and what we are doing, we can interact with the world around us with more integrity. And in doing so, we show our humility and our humanness: characteristics that can be quite appealing when someone is looking for an authentic faith community.

It’s helpful to remember that our churches are never perfect – nor are we! And to delight in the knowledge that that is okay. For God is with us – loving us - exactly as we are.

Uniquely Colourful

I was buying paint this week... I have lots of walls to customise to my liking. I've spent some time considering what I wanted to do with the space, and made a decision. 

So, overtired and undercaffeinated, I went to the paint store to select some paint chips to take home - we all know that different lightning different spaces can have a substantial impact on how we perceive colour. 

While I was there the next morning, prepared with colour choices and room sizes, a man came in and asked the staff person to tell him what was popular. When the staff asked him about his preferences, the space, the furnishings, the lighting, etc., the man became increasingly frustrated. He just wanted what was popular.

So, the staff sold him a generic 'popular' colour. 

When it was my turn, the staff asked me some of the same questions, to which I was able to share my ideas and overall colour theme. (It's based on a favourite work of art, that I intend to be the centrepiece of the living room; pale blue and light sage - nothing wild!). 

The staff commented that he doesn't often see creative or unique palettes anymore - as people seem to just want what's popular. 

And while the popular colour was a nice neutral, it wasn't for me. I preferred to choose my colours, not let someone else choose for me. (After all, if I want to change it in future, I can always repaint!)

While this conversation was happening, another customer came in and commented that he would never deviate from what's popular, as he always considers resale value. I responded that I've just arrived here, so I'm not focused on what the next person might like, but what I like. 

Both these interactions made me ponder on the popularity of being popular. There's a draw, of course, to fitting in. And when it comes to paint, losing that individuality isn't really a big deal. 

But in so many other aspects of life, we're called to be unique, different, set apart. We're called to stand up for what is right, even if it's not popular. We're called to process the faith, even when our friends criticise us for it. We're called to love our neighbours and serve the vulnerable, even when society rejects those notions. 

We're called to be different. We're called to think for ourselves. We're invited to find ways to co-create a better world with the one who loved us into being. And sometimes that's popular, and sometimes it's not; but the journey inspires us to be faithful to God and to ourselves as we brighten the world around us. 

Moose on the Loose

I’ve done more than a little bit of driving this week. While I’ve been using the GPS for the specifics, I’ve also been seeing a lot of road signs. 

It’s interesting to see how information is communicated on signs, depending on the place and local custom. Some highways will announce turnoffs with arrows and words and approximate distances, others only offer subtle slanting numbers to indicate which side of the highway to exit, still others seem to only mark once you’re past the point at which a turn was to happen. There’s a great variance from one region to the next as to signage.

One distinct difference in signs is how moose are announced. (As someone who has had multiple encounters with moose, I tend to pay attention to moose signs.) As the photo montage I’ve included attests, the moose look different despite all being Canadian road signs… but the important thing is for each sign, the message is clear - this is an area where moose are commonly seen.

This can be a helpful reminder for us, when we are engaging in our own understanding of faith and our practices of sharing that faith. We all experience God differently from one another. We experience god differently at different points on our lives. So we do not need to be limited to sharing the good news of God in just one way. 

Even the Evangelists all had different ways to tell us about Jesus; from their own perspectives and encounters and unique personalities. As John Dominic Crossan communicates, there is one Gospel that we learned in four canonical “according to”s. Mark’s bluntness is no less powerful than Luke’s healing focus, for example, they’re just different.

So how we tell the good news is how we experience it, how we have learned it, how we incorporate it into our lives. And it’s okay that it looks a little bit different than how others share it, so long as we convey the same message: God is love, and God is for everyone. 

Even moose. 

Word of Mouth

In many aspects of life, we tend to rely on the opinions and recommendations of others. Whether we’re deciding on which movie to see, or what book to pick off the shelf, or what restaurant to frequent, we check the reviews. Many establishments are now encouraging feedback through surveys or social media platforms – I received three requests this week for specific reviews!

We weigh these assessments differently when we consider them. We have a higher level of trust when feedback is coming from someone we trust – a friend or neighbour. Formalised reviews from experts (editorial assessments in trusted sources) bear a certain credence. We look at online reviews with a proverbial grain of salt, but consider the number of reviews and overall rating. And a generic ‘staff pick!’ in a store could really mean anything.

There are other reviews that filter into our decision-making: anonymous reviews. The comments from the person in line behind us in a coffee shop about a fabulous new boutique may inspire us to check it out; whereas overhearing a chat about a terrible restaurant may deter our patronage of that establishment.

And so, we are mindful to be aware of what we are saying, and where – and why! Knowing what we are trying to accomplish with our commentary can help us better understand what is going on.

Especially when we are giving our own reviews of the church. We know that society does not always look favourably upon the church; this can be increased if we are overheard voicing our concerns or criticisms out in public. A non-attendee lamenting over the numbers in the pews is unlikely to be inviting for a newcomer. A volunteer complaining on social media that their personal needs haven’t been met suggests a disconnected community. Etc.

We have the opportunity, instead, to use our word-of-mouth as an evangelistic tool. We can speak kindly about our experience: maybe the people at the next table will hear us discussing the sermon and our thoughts on the topic (without critiquing the preacher), and understand us as an engaging community. The folks behind us in the coffee line may hear of the outreach ministries, and be stirred to join in those good works. Sharing a social media post about ways to serve may reach out to an isolated person who is led to a supportive community.

We know that life is not perfect, and church is not perfect. Likewise, we are not perfect! But with a little bit of intentionality and care, we can use our reviews in helpful and constructive ways, that may be overheard or received by someone who is seeking to know a loving community that reflects the values and joy of a Christ-centered community.

Delayed!

I did some travel last week, and encountered a delay. It's not overly surprising, but for the first few minutes of re-scheduling I was feeling a little grumpy. (In my defense, this happened before 6am, and before coffee... ugh!)

We all know that hiccups are not rare occurrences in travel. So, once the delay was (easily) sorted and travel was rescheduled, I started making a Plan B for the day. It involved staying in bed a bit longer, having a relaxed breakfast, a lovely walk, and a visit to a museum. I had no need to rush, and was able to read my book over a leisurely coffee in a comfortable chair.

At the end of it all, I had a good day, and the travel still happened without any dire consequences.

Some of the other folks inconvenienced by the delay, however, were less pleased. And they were rather vocal about their displeasure – to anyone who would listen (or who was within 20 feet).

I obviously don't know their full stories, beyond what they were sharing publicly. No one expressed they were in emergency situations, just the legitimate inconvenience of an interruption.

I reflected on my choice from the delay. I’d had the choice to be grumpy, and stay grumpy – but that would benefit no one. I could have been miserable to the staff (who were not responsible for the delay) – and again, this would not help anyone’s mood.

Life happens – sometimes things go as we wish, sometimes they take us off course. Through it all, we have the choice of what we will do.

We can react, with an immediate result emerging before we’ve had time to think it through. This can often mean we react with strong emotions and little perspective; and it’s not always a constructive pathway.

Or we can respond, after we’ve taken a moment or two of calmness and consideration; when our focus is on the bigger picture and finding helpful solutions.

We never know what the outcome may be for the times our Plan As become Plan Bs; but we can choose how to face those changes; even finding joy in the unexpected. The effect of our choices may show a lot about ourselves and our values – to ourselves, and to the world around us.

Go Team!

I passed a statue this week (I enjoy public art; whether it's to any one's preference or not is irrelevant as it often elicits discourse and reaction.) 

The statue in question is a collection of individuals, playfully supporting one another in athletic ventures, almost acting like a human sphere. To me, it conveys a sense of motion, of connection, of trust, of collaboration. 

It was fitting I should notice it this week, as I was taking a short break from a project I was working on - a project that necessitated a fantastic team! 

On our team, we each have our role and responsibility, and are working in our specific field. It's a fantastic group of people, who have gone above and beyond in a short span of time to make things happen. 

It's a great team to be a part of! While some of the folks have never met each other, and may not cross paths in future, their efforts were just like that statue: holding up one another, working towards a common goal, trusting, being simultaneously supported and supportive. (As well as laughing in the process, and celebrating together!)

And in the background, we had other folks who had offered to help if we needed. And we were surrounded by praying folks keeping us uplifted to God's grace. (These are important components of the team!)

While it would be easy to credit just the individual skills and efforts of this dream team, our success was rooted in more than that. Because every person who was involved has done this in other teams, and will do it again. It's a fluid reality of being in healthy community.

For me, these folks have shared blessings more than I can describe. I give thanks to God for everything they have done (and will do in future!) 

This is how we build community: with trust and support, with the gifts that are surrounding us and willingly offered, with laughter and love - and with faith. 

Book Swap and Change

I had coffee with a friend last week, and our conversation turned to books. This is not uncommon for us; we’re both avid readers.

We had both recently finished books that had stayed with us – and as we were describing the basic outlines of the books (and why they had made an impact upon us), we both realised that the others’ book was not our normal reading genre.

So, naturally, a book swap followed!

I am about 2/3 through the borrowed book – it’s definitely a change from my normal go-to fiction! And it’s made me reflect on the positive benefits of branching out into new areas.

Trying new things help us to experience life in new ways, to alter our perspectives and frameworks. They can help us establish or build relationships, they evoke curiosity, they encourage us to try different skills and knowledge. They increasing our confidence to change, making us less intimidated by the unknown. Trying new things may help us to discover that we’ve been missing out on something fantastic!

Broadening my horizons (literary and otherwise!) does not limit my past; I can continue to reach for my tried-and-true preferences. But it does allow me to embrace the inevitability of change, while remaining in the comfort of certain constancies.

Life is unavoidably full of changes. If we refuse to accept change, we stagnate; and thus we are limiting ourselves. If we only live in flux, however, we deny ourselves the depth of connections that challenge us to be the best version of ourselves.

 
And so we seek a balance as we live into the fullness of our being. As we are confident in who (and whose) we are, we live life with a solid foundation of faith. God is with us; God is guiding us; God is constant. And from this point, we explore the richness of what God’s world has to offer, so that we can learn new ways to love and know love – as we find new ways to know and love God.

Change is going to happen, it’s up to us to decide how to respond to those changes – big and small. John Henry Newman once wrote: “To live is to change; and to be perfect is to have changed often.”

Surprise!

A few weeks ago, my friend planted some asparagus and rhubarb crowns. She didn’t expect them to grow much this season, and certainly not to produce anything edible – they were older stock, planted late. But, these good deals could be great perennials with some time.

What a delightful surprise, then, when the rhubarb patch sprouted. Not just because it shows that the coming years are likely to provide fruit, but apparently there were lily bulbs mixed in among the distinctive rhubarb stalks.

And so, the rhubarb patch has changed, at least for this year, as a single calla lily is gracing the bed. It’s unexpected, but pleasantly so! This simple lily is inviting us not only to appreciate the surprise of colour and beauty, but also to embrace that sometimes life doesn’t quite align with our plans.

As Lao Tzu advises: “Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”

Change can be difficult and stressful, but if we are able to face the changes of this life with a firm foundation of faith, we can embrace the surprise and beauty that God is placing before us. Through scriptures, we are assured that God is with us whatever we are going through.

Part of that constant accompaniment is those unexpected delights, those small and subtle signs that something is different - minor changes like a lily in a rhubarb patch – that invite us to ponder and reflect on where grace is growing.

And we can be sure that those signs are always there. It’s up to us to open our hearts and minds to recognise them in our midst.

The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life. ~William Morris

Uneventful

I had a conversation this week about a recent travel experience, to which I was happy to reply that it had been delightfully uneventful. The traffic was fine, there were minimal delays, inconveniences were minor, and there was a distinct absence of drama. Delightfully uneventful.

Uneventful is okay. It can be pleasant!

Often, our society seems to expect the spectacular. We wait to be amazing and astonished, and overlook the beauty of the ordinary. And we do this at our own peril; for if we come to presume that each day should be more special than the day before, then we are setting ourselves up for disappointment.

If, however, we anticipate that a day might be uneventful, we are bringing our attitudes to the norm – the common – the typical. We are not lowering our standards, but appreciating the reality of what is before us.

This brings with it a sense of gratitude: it gives us a healthy foundation when we encounter unusual experiences of a less-than-pleasant reality; it also grants us greater respect for the happier-than-normal moments.

Our faith is another expression of the normal: we encounter our daily journey as an opportunity to grow in our relationship with God. If we are expecting great daily spiritual epiphanies, we are likely to be disappointed. If we are content with consistent (if uneventful) faith nurture, then we are more likely to be surprised by joy as we celebrated those tiny glimpses of holiness that are always being revealed to us.

For when we are truly on a journey of faith, we recognise that no moment is truly uneventful. They are full of grace and miracle that simply surround us with God’s loving presence.

 

Cake!

Some days, I watch cake decorating videos. They are abundant in social media; they are short and fun, some harmless entertainment of folks doing some amazing things with sugary confections. (And who doesn’t like cake?!) To be clear, I am not watching the ‘how-to’ videos – those also exist, and kudos to those who make them with the intention of sharing their knowledge and tips. Instead, I watch the 60-second shorts. I enjoy them. I find them relaxing and enjoyable.

For I am not intending to learn to be a cake decorator. While I can do basic decorations, I’m not trained to do the fancy stuff, nor do I have the sense that God is calling me in that vocational direction. I have benefitted from the tips and advice that others have shared. I have used the inspiration from what others have created. I could learn to do more, but am choosing not to – and that’s okay. We’re none of us meant to do every thing, and I have other outlets for my creativity.

Still, I really appreciate those who have learned and practiced and ply their trade. These folks not only have taken time and financial commitment and creativity and everything else, and made them into something impressive, they have also chosen to share that with the world through these cake videos. Many show their successes, as well as times when they are vulnerable in sharing an ‘ooops!’ moment.

I’m not interested in the competitive cake decorating shows… they exist, but they intend to bring out the combative nature, pitting people against each other. These can stoop to sabotage or ill-will – which increases viewership ratings, but not my preference. (Nor, in my opinion, in a healthy way.) I do, from time to time, enjoy watching the collaborative shows – where folks may be competing but are also helping one another in times of need (i.e. Bake Off shows!)

Finding our passion and our pastimes is important. They help us understand who we are, and who we are created to be. This is normal for all of us; we find what we enjoy and we do it! These expressions have the potential to show the world our values, our priorities, our best selves. And how we respond to others’ passions further demonstrates a lot about ourselves. We have the opportunity to be positive, affirming, supportive people, with friends and strangers alike.

I am comfortable with my limited skills in icing a cake. I have no problem with these spectacular, unique, bespoke cakes being more expensive than your average grocery store creation (a worker is worth their wages!) And I understand that the world is a more beautiful place because of those folks who decorate cakes – just as the world is a better place for all of our passions.

So whether we are witnessing/appreciating someone else’s craft, or practicing our own, or jumbling through new experiences just to see if that speaks to our soul, I hope we are doing it in supportive and positive ways. 

Love Muffins

I was recently gifted some rhubarb. I’m a big fan of rhubarb! I decided to use the rhubarb in a new-to-me recipe: rhubarb muffins with a cream cheese filling. Yum!

To make the muffins, I recognised that I was using the benefit from quite a few people who are dear to me… the friends’ rhubarb gift was mixed with a coconut/almond flour mix that was a suggestion from another friend some years ago (an easy gluten-free adaptation), the cream cheese had been on sale (a piece of information another friend had shared), and the trick of simplifying how to form said stuffed muffin came from a colleague years ago (when we were baking with pumpkin abundance). Even the baking itself touched with love, as I was in a friend’s kitchen using her pans and oven for the venture.

The end result was fabulous! They were moist, tangy, sweet – a perfect muffin – so good, in fact, that they were eaten a little more quickly than originally intended!

I am quite certain that I could have made these muffins without the gifts and adaptations from my dear ones, but the culmination of all of their offerings made for a spectacular treat. My muffins were all the better because of it. And, I had the psychological benefit of recalling all these dear ones, and dwelling in the gratitude of having them in my life.

As I was in that space of gratitude, I reflected that these muffins – with the influence of many – are analogous to our Christian life. We are in it together, we all have something to offer, we all have something to receive from others, we don’t know the scope or scale of how or when our offerings will be useful to the world.

Yet we do know that God has given us all ample gifts, and an abundance of opportunities to share them. We trust that as we come together in sharing of our faith, we are celebrating that the contributions of all are important and significant. And from this, we might find joy in the ‘embarrassment of riches’ of a living faith. For just as those muffins were a delightful gathering of love among the ingredients, so too is every aspect of our lives a culmination of those with whom we share the great gift of love.

The Highlight of My Week!

Every time I am planning to get together with a friend, she comments “It’s the highlight of my week!”.

And she means it! Whether we’re going for coffee, or sharing a meal, or running errands – we have a great time. And we are both intentional to convey how much our time together means to us. It’s the highlight of our week!

However, there are some weeks when we may have more than one highlight. And that’s okay. A new highlight does not diminish the one we’ve had – in fact it enhances it. How fortunate are we to have had multiple highlights!

This happens as we are open to being surprised by joy. We don’t feel the need to compare one experience of joy to another – we can simply delight in the delights! It could be connection with a friend, it could be meaningful worship, it could be a favourite song on the radio: when joy comes, we embrace it as a gift.

This is, for us, part of our faith. We do our best to live life looking for the moments of happiness, of connection, of love: for we know that when we experience love, we are experiencing God.

And when we experience God, it becomes the highlight of our week.

So we appreciate those moments, for exactly what and when they are. And we appreciate the connection to love (and to God) every time we say (and hear) “it’s the highlight of my week!”

“Consider the Lilies of the Field”

Do we? Do we take time to consider the lessons of the simple flowers that surround us?

I like lilies. They’re some of my favourite flowers. I’ve planted them in most of the homes where I’ve lived – a snippet of beauty emerging from the soil to literally colour my day.

This week, in walking past some lilies, I spent some time considering them… the daylilies that open each morning and close each evening... the specialty asiatic lilies, whose tiny flowers resting atop dense greenery providing an early bloom in the garden. The spotted tigers or stargazers, whose exuberance in opening ensures it is noticed among the other flowers. The list continues.

Lilies are definitely worth noticing – and considering.

They carry with them the symbolism of femininity and fertility, rooted (pardon the pun) in the tales of Greek gods Hera and Zeus. They grow from hardy bulbs, not seeds, and so are easily transported and resilient in a wide variety of temperatures (sometimes unknown to us by the critters that dig them up!)

Lilies offer their distinct aroma – with enthusiasm! Which attracts bees and other pollinators throughout the season, thereby supporting ecosystems and food systems.

They can be consumed (ask any deer about their preferred variety!), their colours are enjoyable, they are ornamental for quite a long duration, they fit in every style of garden. In some places, they grow as weeds in ditches; ornamenting roadways with their elegance. It’s no mistake they are used in holiday bouquets, as a symbol of the Resurrection, and in heraldry.

And they offer to us so much more.

When Jesus invites us to consider the lilies of the fields, he is inviting us to consider not just the ascetic reality that they offer, or the obvious reminder to trust in God’s ever-present care. He is further giving us a metaphor: to appreciate the flexibility and versatility of the plants; growing where they are planted, blooming with the full potential they contain, offering their gifts freely regardless of their surroundings.

The lilies of the field are sprinkled throughout, as a means to remind us all of the beauty that God gives to the earth – and to us. And in reminding us to consider these wild flowers, Jesus reminds us to stop and be amazed by the beauty of the earth.

For it is there: growing in us and through us and for us: blooming joy into our hearts, and inspiring us to consider how we may brighten the world around us just as the lilies brighten our lives. 

Enveloped By Grace

I was writing some letters this week – not emails, but hand-written cards. Nothing special, just something to pop in the post to some dear ones.

I paused when placing the notecards into the envelopes, however, and my mind began considering the simplicity and efficiency of an envelope. One sheet of paper, trimmed and folded just-so, to encase the contents (in this case, a note). This serves several purposes; it provides the address for delivery information, it keeps the note card clean, it protects any additional contents tucked to the card. An envelope is adaptable; it can be in any number of sizes and shapes to accommodate the contents, it can be patterned or plain, it can be a colour to compliment the card it carries. It may be sealed anonymously by a machine, or sealed with a kiss by a loved one.

An envelope denotes, in its simplicity, an encompassing of something valued or important.

It brought to mind that I am – that we are – all contained within an envelope of sorts: we are enveloped by grace.

God values us, and surrounds us with simple and efficient means to be protected, directed, and provided for. God’s means may be simple or intricate, and come in many sizes.

We are enveloped by God’s grace.

God puts into our paths the people and situations that carry us through life’s journeys; the good times, the challenging times, the ordinary times. God’s grace encompasses us with those who care about us, and those who care for us; for long times and short, in big ways and small.

God also puts us into the path of others, that we too may extend this care and comfort, extending the grace which we already recognise we have received.

It’s a simple thing, an envelope, but for me it’s also a welcome reminder to carry into the world: I am enveloped by God’s grace.

Growing in Love

Suddenly, it seems, the month of June is upon us. Days are lengthening, temperatures are rising, gardens are planted… and now we wait for growth!

Gardening is a great metaphor for experiencing life. Seeds begin full of potential, emerging into new soil – ideally, a soil that will provide rich nourishment and a warm and hospitable environment.

Plants grow towards the sun, yearning for just the right amount, but careful not to get scorched by too much.

They drink deeply of the water, to ensure adequate hydration for healthy growth while establishing foundational root systems.

Plants benefit from relationship – with pollinators to enhance growth, with companion plants to discourage pests, with gardeners. For the gardeners work hard to ensure the life of the plant: pruning overgrowths that would deplete energy for full growth, weeding to remove choking and unhealthy invaders, establishing healthy boundaries, fertilising to enhance health.

And at the root of it all (pardon the pun) is love.

All things grow with love: love from the creator. For the creator blesses us with potential, provides us with one another, and showers us with abundant love: all that we might grow, into the full presence of who we are and whose we are. We were loved into being, and we are invited to love fully with those we encounter.

So as we consider our own gardens, literal and metaphorical, I invite us to reflect on how we are growing in love.

How is the spiritual soil warming around us? What nourishment are we receiving, and what do we need more of?

How firmly are we leaning towards the sun (and the Son?)

What areas of our life are thirsty for the Water of Life, and what areas are sated? Are we experiencing anything where we are over-saturated such that other healthy components are drowned? How firmly are we rooted and grounded in love?

Who is tending to our care – helping us to discern what in our life needs to be pruned or weeded, helping us in keeping our environment well-ordered and healthy?

How are we growing into love?

 

Sprinkles

I have a shirt that reads “Life is better with sprinkles!”

While the context is for ice cream (yumm!), it invites deeper reflection. First off, it suggests that the base norm is good. For ice cream is good (I’m not familiar with ‘bad’ ice cream!); and sprinkles just make it better.

So, following last week’s reflection on hope, I’m going to encourage us to start from that place of goodness. Life is good. Sure there are moments we dislike, but when we dwell in hope, life is good. And when we don’t see the goodness, we can bring the good to life.

So with that as a starting point for our metaphor, I encourage us to reflect on our sprinkles - what makes your life better? What are the sprinkles that coat the days with happiness?

We all have them, those little moments of happy that may be unexpected: a dad joke, a call from a friend, a pet snuggle, a meaningful bible verse popping through an app on our phone.

We can all provide them, too: a kind word to the person in front of us in line at the store, an unprovoked text to a dear one, tidying the kitchen after a family meal.

These are moments that make our days a little bit more special, a little bit more happy. For the little things themselves are lovely – but they also extend a grateful attitude – of *wanting* to make someone’s day more happy and more special.

The intention to connect with one another is as important as the act itself.

A young friend recently gifted me with cake sprinkles (a literal and figurative sweet gift!), stemming from our shared appreciation of fancy cupcakes. And she wrote upon it: “Keep sprinkling happiness in the world!” A great reminder that life is indeed much better with sprinkles. 

Hope

A friend of mine has a drawing of a cat on her wall. It’s not a conventional cute kitten pose, but of a cat who is in the rain. It’s a little matted, a little wet, a little bit skinny.

It would be easy to focus on the cat’s oversized eyes, and project a desperate circumstance – and feel a bit depressed. However, my friend described the picture this way: “I see hope.”

For my friend, the cat is not looking over his shoulder in fear and despair, it is preparing to embrace a new life. Warm, cared for, part of a family. It’s a message of hope, as it bids farewell to the negatives of its past. It is about to embrace a new life in mere seconds, filled with joy and love.

The cat is also not looking blindly behind it – it is gazing over its shoulder at the viewer – inviting us into the picture as well. Again, not with fear, but with hope; this time hope for the other – for the one behind him, who is also on the precipice of a new life.

Hope surrounds us all, the picture suggests; and for my friend, this cat is showing how hope overcomes even dreary surroundings.

As I was reflecting on the Feast of the Ascension this week, I thought about that cat. Uncertain as to what was in its immediate future, but hope-filled because of its faith and trust. With such confidence to invite others to join in the journey... 

And I thought about my friend, who chooses to consider her life in a similar manner: knowing it is not perfect, and not expecting it to be: but also knowing that there is always goodness to be found – and aware that God always invites us to bring that goodness!

And I thought about the Christian experience that we all share. For while we can feel weighted by the realities of this world, the Ascension reminds us that love and grace and joy is pervasive throughout – to the end of the age. So whether our moments are of trust or of doubt (which is normal), we carry with us the assurance of hope.


When the disciples saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me…. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’
Mt 28.17-18,20b