Hey Highview! I Miss You!

 

If any moments remain where I'm especially aware of my 'new' ministry realities, they happen in August, and because I'm still at the cottage.

For decades I preferred to have my vacation very early in the summer.  Frankly, by June I was fairly spent from the demands of the work - Sundays happen every week! - and very ready to be away.   But come the end of July I was also eager to return to the city so that I could be back worshipping with my beloved faith community, and to get back to work and pick up all the exciting preparations for the fall.  There were clear seasonal markers in those years; an ebb and flow of church life very closely tied to the school year. 

And now it's not like that at all.  The ramp-up-then-rest cycles are instead very tightly connected to trips to Thailand, the prep, the being there, then the return.  Much of the Canadian component of what I do is not tied to a specific locale the same way it is when you are the pastor of a local church.  

And yes, I realize it's been seven years already, and I am grateful that this new ministry life allows for longer time here in Cognashene (what a gift!).  But here it is, approaching half way through August, and here I am.

And Highview, I just want to say that I miss you.

There is a truly delightful faith community here called Cognashene Community Church.  Ken and I have been part of this seasonal congregation for as long as we've been coming to the cottage.  The sincerity and faithfulness of this group of folks is inspiring and affirming, and adds enrichment to our souls without question.

And.

Highview, I miss you.

It's such a benefit that we have so many good ways to stay connected now.  I'm grateful to be able to join in on Prayer Times over Zoom, have one on one conversations by same, promote some fall fundraisers on the go, conduct meetings, send and receive emails, and say hello in many kinds of ways.  I'm glad for Facebook regardless of it's 'quirks', because it still allows for quick touch points, and to let me see everyone's garden and vacation pics!  And I appreciate the feedback on how my ruminations  (on this blog, Facebook, and elsewhere) has perhaps been helpful or inspiring.  Thanks for that!  It all does help keep us connected a little.

But, Highview, I miss you.  I miss your hugs, your humour, and watching you take care of each other.  I miss hearing what's on your heart in person.  And mostly I miss the rich experience of being gathered with you - all of you specifically - tuning our spirits together in worship directed towards our astonishing God.

Whenever I'm not with you on a Sunday, I feel it.  And in August I feel it more.  

I will say it here again, without even apologizing for how many times I've said it before.  It has been such a good and unique gift to be allowed the honour of remaining with you in this not-so-new ministry role of Missionary in Residence.  Thank you.

I was asked the other day when Ken and I might be returning to the city.  The answer is, we don't know yet.  Spiritually, I feel I have some matters to deal with still that are best done down on a dock at sunset.  And to be honest, it's been so hot, and I'd rather be without AC here than in the city, let's just be real.

But the season itself will roll into fall soon enough.  

We will definitely, most certainly, without question, God-willing, be back for Sunday, September 7th.  Wouldn't miss it!

Love you guys.