The Evidence

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, Romans 1:20


These are the words of St. Paul to the early church in Rome. Surely spring in this part of the world bears witness to their truth.

A walk in the Butchart Gardens last week revealed a symphony of pink and blue and white in tulips, forget-me-nots and hyacinth. 

 Surprises lurked around every corner.  Who knew daffodils came in apricot, with ruffles? Certainly not the visitors from Edmonton who wondered why they saw people in shorts when they got off the plane.

This tiny trout lily, blooming under a rhododendron flaunted its subtle beauty amid the show-offs of the spring flower bed.

On a drive up-Island, dogwood and May trees gleamed white against the conifers.  

Bees buzz in the heather.

The apple blossoms in delicate pink and white shower the earth with petals and the air with sweet fragrance.

As a gardener I wage war on the dandelion, but who can truly hate a flower that looks like the sun and spreads its glory so freely in roadside and meadow, proclaiming to the world that spring has come.

 It invites children to "look for butter under your chin" when you hold the yellow face close to yours.  So generous is the dandelion that a whole schoolroom of children can weave bracelets and coronets without limiting the wild display.

On Good Friday a man from Beijing visited our church.  Coming from a smog-choked  city, he was awestruck by clear air and a blue sky.

Paul goes on to warn that those who "know the truth," as manifest in creation, yet disregard God "have no excuse,"  and will suffer the consequences of their actions.  Do not be among the deniers.  Look about, see the evidence of God's care and abundance.  Rejoice in His gifts.
  "All things bright and beautiful . . . the Lord God made them all."

Rejoice with them that do rejoice

by Michael Denton

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
The above verse from the Book of Romans, Chapter 12:15 (King James Version) came to my mind the other day. I was listening to a conversation between two people. One of the two was describing the loss of a loved one and her pain was obviously very troubling to her. She was telling the man she was speaking with about her relative's struggle with Pancreatic Cancer. Immediately, the man said something along the lines, "Oh my friend's mother had Pancreatic Cancer and she only lasted a few months after diagnosis. He really was upset and has never got over it......." Her painful experience had just been "blown out the window." She wanted to pour her heart out, but was immediately cut off. She wanted him to weep with her.  Instead, he robbed her of the emotion she was trying to share.

     In almost any conversation between two people, the person being spoken to will relate a similar story or situation being discussed. Have you ever noticed that?
I challenge you to listen carefully to two people having a discussion and see if you can pick up what I'm describing here. I'm sure it won't be long before you hear of what I speak.

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
What is this verse telling us? Well, in my humble opinion, it's telling us to listen to the other person in an empathetic manner. You see, when someone has something to say, be it joy or sorrow, we must let that person "own the emotion." All too often, we cut the person off by speaking of our own experience. What that does is basically say to the other person, "I'm not interested in what you're telling me; I want you now to listen to my story." That leaves the person owning the emotion politely listening to the experience being told by the other, but feeling somewhat hurt and disappointed that they've not been able to "pour their heart out."

Can you imagine God doing that to us? Imagine speaking to God in prayer and He cuts you off to recount a similar request or situation of someone else. Would you feel good about it? Would you feel heard?
     I can tell you, it takes a lot of practice not to "jump in" with your own story when someone is speaking to you about their joy, sorrow or experience. I know we mean well, and often think it will help the other person to know their situation isn't unique, or that they're not alone. But what we are doing, whether we realise it or not, is cutting the other person off and letting them know that their story or their situation isn't important enough to gain our full attention.

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
And so I challenge you again. The next time someone is telling you something that invokes a personal memory, please resist the temptation to "jump in" with your story. Let the person speaking to you "Own the Emotion." It will make them feel much better. They'll feel listened to and will appreciate your empathetic ear, or the support you're giving them. There's always another time when you can share your story.

Michael Denton is the organist/choir director of SPPC.  For more about Michael, click here
　
　
　

School's Out

School's out for the Wednesday Morning Bible Study group, but, unlike your children and grandchildren, we are not skipping down the path and yelling "freedom!"

After twenty weeks, through snowstorms, Lent, Easter, potluck dinners, and a very short heat wave, this group has studied Romans from 1:1 to 16:27.  Through the writings of Paul we have experienced elation, anger, sorrow, joy and enlightenment.

We've been challenged to examine our relationship with God, with Jesus, with our church, with our enemies and with our friends.

We've learned to dig deep into scripture, examine every word, every phrase.  We've learned that even a list of names carries a wealth of information. 

We've learned from each other and about each other.  We've shared tears and laughter (a lot of laughter) and coffee and cookies.

We've been blessed with marvellous teachers.  Edna, always gracious, willing and insightful has shared her dedication and knowledge.  Irwin, has brought his years of study, his keen mind and his love of learning.  He has made dry texts come alive, has opened our eyes to the riches of scripture and brought the lessons home to today.

   The truth is, the Bible Study group has had such a good time going to school, we don't want it to end.  So for the next couple of  Wednesdays, we'll wean ourselves away gradually by doing some one-off discussions on  some shorter scriptures.

    This is a great opportunity for anyone who cannot commit to a longer study to come and experience a Wonderful Wednesday.

Alice Valdal is a keen member of the Wednesday Morning Bible Study group.  She is also blog mistress for this site and welcomes contributions for future posts.  To contact her, email avaldal@shaw.ca