We knew you when . . .

     We bid adieu to one of the saints in our congregation this week.  It was a joyful service, for our sister knew she was going home.  In fact, she wrote the service herself, and left strict instructions with those partaking not to go on too long "and bore all those lovely people."

    I wasn't bored as I listened to stories of a life well-lived.  My greatest regret is that I had to wait for the funeral before I learned the story of a life.  I knew, for instance, that she had worked as a missionary for many years in South and Latin America.  But I didn't know she took up painting in her retirement. 

Her pictures didn't surprise me though, for they were the autograph of someone with the biggest smile in the world and the light of God pouring through her.  
    I knew her through Bible Study and enjoyed her thoughtful questions and insights into the scriptures we read.  Of course I wasn't surprised when I saw her Bible, open on the communion table, well marked up and showing one of her favourite passages.

   I knew she loved the hymns and the choir and was always grateful for the work of the Living Flame.  What I didn't know was that she once played a mean trumpet herself, was part of a marching band and played at the Chicago World's Fair.  

Something I know that others may not is that she was a loyal reader of this blog and often sent me little thank you notes.  I'll miss that.  I'll miss her assertion that "I'm well" even as she struggled with a relentless cough and needed a walker.
    I know she was generous and gracious.  Just look at the spread that was laid out for her service.  

    
     My grandmother lived to a very old age.  She said, as she approached her 98th birthday that she didn't mind being old, but sometimes felt lonely because there was no one left who'd known her as a girl.  When I imagine our friend as a girl I see music and laughter.  I see dedication to her faith.
    Our friend shared her stories with family and friends-- a great gift.  And I know she followed Christ every day of her life, she prayed fervently and without ceasing.  She shared her faith and her love for God with all who came within her ken.
    And I know that she looked forward with joy to going home to the loving arms of Jesus.  Farewell, dear friend.  We'll see you again, "Beyond the Sunset."

WINTER BLAHS

   Went to my favourite eatery the other day and discovered it nearly empty.  The menu hadn't changed, the chef hadn't changed and the wait staff hadn't changed.  Usually we have to stand in line for a table at this place.  "Where is everyone?" I asked.  "Gone to the sun," came the answer.
     Even though our weather is balmy compared to the rest of Canada, and despite the water board's grumbling about low levels in the reservoir, we must admit that Victoria can get a bit dreary in the wintertime.  Grey skies, a week of all encompassing fog, rain in torrents or rain in drizzle, it's still rain.  A perfect formula for the winter blahs.
   

 So, it's a good time to change things up a bit.  We did that last Sunday in church with a guest trumpeter to add a bright tone to the music.  We like our organ, but there's nothing like a bit of brass to make it shine.  Thanks to John for sharing his talent with us.
      Greeters at the door and ushers taking up collection weren't the usual suspects either.  Members of the Sunday school handed out bulletins, welcomed visitors and took up the collection.  Nice to see them starting young.  I went to a funeral this week of a man who had served as head usher in his church for sixty-five years.   He was the face of welcome in that congregation, knew everyone by name, knew who needed a large print bulletin, who needed a hearing assist, and who needed help to stand.  Maybe one of our youthful ushers from last Sunday will follow the example of my friend.

     We also heard from Max and Felicity on their trip to Vancouver to explore opportunities for mission.  They returned home fired with zeal and a long list of possibilities. Stay tuned to this blog for more on that.
    
   If you've got the winter blahs but a trip to a sunny clime is not in the cards, try going to church.  Whatever the weather, the Son shines here.