Saturday, January 17, 2009

Saturday January 17, 2009

When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. Acts 20:36.

Today I have been putting together a schedule for our three daughters, our granddaughter and husband and our two year old grandson when they join us for a week together here in England. A friend has kindly offered to host them in her old smithy cottage (five bedrooms—some cottage!). Lot of people to ferry around, meals to think of, not much time and lots of places and people to see. So arranging transportation and fitting in with schedules here at the guest house in Worthing is more challenging than a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle.

But the greater the challenge, the greater the reward when it is overcome. Certainly, we are overjoyed that our family from various parts of the world is able to join us, and the challenge in arrangements is matched by the efforts they have made to be with us. In fact, the success of this venture depends, like players in an orchestra, on close cooperation from all of us. Knowing our family, I am sure this time will be one to remember.

Of interest to the family particularly, are the old haunts that Ann and I frequented in our youth and early married days before we emigrated to Canada in 1965. Although the church we were married in has been torn down and rebuilt, almost all the places from our childhood and later years remain unchanged. Our eldest daughters may remember some of them from their childhood.

I wonder what differences our children and grandchildren will see in us once they have seen our roots? They may also feel their own identity shift a little from this experience. Above all, we trust that their roots in the Christian faith may become sharper as we see some spiritual reminders from our past. Paul prayed with the Ephesians on his last visit with them and his prayers touched their hearts. One day we will find out how our prayers, the prayers of our parents and relatives gone before, and the prayers of our children and grandchildren, have played in shaping the life we bequeath to them.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Friday January 16, 2009

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10.

You should really read the previous verse: “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling”! Peter knew a thing or two about human nature; we often know what we should do, but do it resentfully. Why? Perhaps because we are tired, it won’t be recognized, the recipient of our largess is ungrateful, or we would simply prefer to do something else. Maybe some incentive will help: you will receive your reward in the life to come, or it makes you feel good inside. Possibly some “encouragement” may help: it is your Christian duty, it will devalue you reputation if you don’t, or how will you feel if you don’t?

Ah? The “should” and “oughts” of life. Too easy to feel our lives are being manipulated, or we are pushed into doing what someone else wants and our own plans for our lives are on hold. What is real service and what is coercion? How do we set priorities and boundaries for our lives yet still feel we are making a meaningful contribution? If we are supposed to consider others before ourselves (Phil 2:3) where do others needs leave off and our own begin?

It is here that I have no simple answers—each of us must evaluate our level of service. I find myself constantly assessing whether my service is meagre, sufficient or too much. The need is always there Jesus said, “The poor you will always have with you,” (Matt. 26:11) indicating that we can never cover the needs we are aware of. Perhaps the text gives some help; we should use the gifts we have been given fulfilling those tasks that we are equipped for. Others have gifts that we do not have, for tasks that we are not prepared for. And then, of course, it is not our gift we are giving away, but the grace of God that we have freely received. We act, not out of a need to serve, but from gratitude to God.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Wednesday January 14, 2009

To each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. Ephesians 4:7.

They say that writers should write something every day. Great idea, but try it. Sometimes my mind is as dry as a desert, and about as productive. But today, something special. Our grandson and his wife are expecting their second child. Norah their firstborn, about a year old, is delightful—hence our special name—Adorable Norah. After having three girls ourselves, we had only one granddaughter—Jenny you are still our favourite granddaughter!—and six grandsons, so we are delighted to have a great granddaughter in the family. What do you have for us this time Dan and Jo? And Jo: you are our favourite granddaughter-in-law!

Well, if being a grandparent makes you feel old, wait until the “greats” arrive. From our experience of passing 70, I think there is a psychological twist to growing old—or at least feeling it. 70 seemed like a milestone, and energy dropped overnight. Add to that a couple of great grandchildren and the ratchet effect is noticeable again for each one. Ann says she wouldn’t recommend growing old to anyone. Growing old with grace is a feat of denial and appearance and we can use all the grace Christ has apportioned to us.
Tuesday January 13, 2009

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7.

As we have noted previously, although we are enjoying our stint here in Worthing, it is not without its stress. We are also concerned about my surgery looming up at the end of March, although that is mostly buried in the needs of the moment. Then there is the concern that all parents have, the welfare of their children and grandchildren—increasing with the growing numbers of descendents. Distress is ubiquitous and the text above is probably one of the most quoted to people in difficulties, although its use can be a substitute for genuine help. While there is real truth in the words, the words themselves may mean little without action.

But as usual, there is the question of context. The text itself is bracketed by the twin calls for humility and self control. Humility is the opposite of pride, but the Scripture’s definition of pride is not the pleasure of accomplishment, but arrogance, in the sense that God is unnecessary to life. It always amazes me that some people I meet, whose lives are in total disarray, still have all the answers! The Bible says that the atheist is a fool, Ps. 14:1; 53:1, for not only are we accountable to God for how we use this life, he is also our greatest resource for the difficult times and our recognition of our need of him is the source of humility.

Self control is a partner to humility. It requires a moderate and managed approach to life that denies arrogance, for a well-balanced life is supremely difficult without outside help. Radical and extreme elements in the world, although frequently invoking God as their source, do not manifest other fruits of the Spirit that come with self control: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and gentleness, Gal 5:22-23. If we really are to cast all our care on him, we will not come with arrogance, and it may mean admitting that we have lost either self control, or control of our situation—perhaps both!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Monday January 12, 2009

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Proverbs 12:25.

Yesterday was another opportunity to meet some hitherto unmet relatives. My cousin Miriam celebrated her 70th birthday—although she was working harder than anyone to get the show on the road. Must have had about 30 plus people come through during the afternoon, some her relatives (and hence my unmet ones) and a lot of friends and neighbours. We met Miriam’s three sons and two wives and a couple of her grandchildren; most we had never seen before. Christian—yes that’s his name—was visiting from New York, a second cousin to both Miriam and myself, and a welcome addition to other discovered relatives of mine below the line.

Others were long time friends of Miriam. One man spent all his time telling us about his world travels, and his wife’s eyes filled with tears as she told us how she had first seen the Milky Way one dark night in Argentina. Another told us how, in an attempt to lose weight, he bought new runners that opened a sore on his foot. He ignored it in his passion to lose weight and the resulting infection nearly cost him his life. One lady was so enjoying herself she said she felt like dancing. I suggested that it was OK as long as she didn’t dance on the table, to which she replied that those days were over. I must’ve hit the nail on the head!

That was a fun day with six hours of related driving, and it capped off a week of non-stop activity. Today we were glad to slow down. We took an afternoon nap that I had looked forward to from the time I got up. Otherwise it was a pottering day, change some light bulbs, run some errands and complete a few unfinished chores. I think I can rewrite today’s Scripture: “A tired body weighs a man down, but an easy day and a long nap cheer him up.”

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Sunday January 11, 2009

Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, 1 Thess 5:17-18.

Some days just don’t seem to go so well. Interesting that the last blog suggested a down day after some good accomplishment. Cleaning up after the last visitors to Winchelsea House, was a long drawn out process, one that made us wonder of our plans for the coming few weeks were somewhat ambitious. Admittedly, some of the work was catching up on a time of neglect as the house had been out of use for a few weeks, but waltzing around England with our family while guests come and go will be a challenge!

Let me give you some pictures of life here at Winchelsea. It is a rambling house with eight bedrooms, some sleeping four or even eight, two huge lounges, a dining room, three kitchens and a complement of several bathrooms. After guests leave, beds must be stripped, bedding and bathroom linen laundered in two washers and dryers, ironed and replaced. One washer and dryer is located in the house, the other in a laundry accessed from outside—so far in weather that has rarely been above freezing since we arrived. Vacuuming takes at least half a day, plus cleaning kitchens, bathrooms and supermarket trips to restock fridges for the cold breakfasts included in the overnight charge.

We have an office, workshop and two garages with supplies, all accessed from outside. Then of course, we have our own separate residence to keep clean. Good reason to “pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances”! Prayer is one of the sources of strength for the work, especially the days it appears overwhelming.

But we come because the benefits are worth it. The opportunity serve, yet at the same time to connect with dozens of family members Ann and I have here, nostalgic trips to our old haunts, and forays into the English countryside make it all worthwhile. The house is sometimes empty for several days, and frequently has only one or two guests giving us occasions for some free time, but we have little time to for worrying about the uncertainties ahead. We are only too glad and thankful for this opportunity.