An Open Thank You to My Friends

 

Iron sharpens iron,

so a friend sharpens a friend.

Proverbs 27:17 NLT

In friendships, I am uncommonly blessed.

Beyond deserving, this.

A rich spread of companions, 

a feast to feed my soul.

There are "friends" who destroy each other,

but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 19:24

Who would I be without all of you?

A flattened out version of a self, 

un-nourished by your love,

your belief in me,

your different-than-me opinions,

your passions and perspectives.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend;

profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Proverbs 27:6

Would I even be the me that I have become?

...Am becoming?

You contribute to my soul,

my heart,

my mind,

in ways I cannot appropriately measure

let alone thank you for.

Whoever covers an offense seeks love,

but he who repeats a mater separates close friends.

Proverbs 17:9

All of you.

Each of you.

Oil and perfume make the heart glad,

and the sweetness of a friend 

comes from his earnest counsel.

Proverbs 27:9

The for-a-long-time ones.

The for-a-season ones.

The brand new ones.

All of you.

Each of you.

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,

but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 13:20

So rich is my life.

So filled out and robust.

So abundant, as promised.

And for no particular reason today,

I am reminded.

I do not take any one of you for granted.

And that's the truth.

I thank my God every times I remember you.

In all my prayers for all you, I always pray with joy.

Philippians 1:3-4

In the Mystery

"You call me out upon the water

The great unknown, where feet may fail

And there I find You in the mystery

In oceans deep, my faith will stand....

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me.

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Saviour."

Oceans - Hillsong United 2013  

We sang it on Sunday morning and it hit hard again.

The image of walking the impossible,

only because we trust Him 

in the mystery of it.

Otherwise we wouldn't dare step out.

I wouldn't.

But here I am, 

taking risks that feel too big, too crazy.

And He's got to come through, else I sink.

And He does, so I don't.

Instead, I find Him there,

waiting with this big fat answer to prayer,

and inviting me to go further,

trust more.

So I do.

Just putting one foot down across the waves after another.

Not because I'm at all brave, 

because I'm not.

But because He's there.

To hear the song.

To read the story.

A Non-Political Political Post

 

Here's a fun little story about e-scooters, city trails and municipal elections.

They're green now.  Those little scooters you can use to get around town.  I've never tried one myself, but when I'm walking along the city trails near our place, there are a few places where they are all lined up ready to go.  Often as not someone passes me on one.

This story didn't happen when I was walking though.  And I wasn't on the scooter myself either.  But it demonstrates something about getting around in different ways besides a car that surprised me.

I was driving from my house close to Belmont and Victoria, heading to a follow-up dentist appointment on Bridgeport just past the plaza but before you get to King Street.  These details will only matter to folks who think maps in their head, but the layout of this is part of the story.

At Belmont and Union, on Union, I had to stop rather suddenly because a man on an e-scooter came zipping out to cross at the crosswalk, still riding on the scooter.  He was going really fast!  That made me notice him, of course, and I'm so glad I did.  He wasn't wearing a helmet, and he looked like he actually could be dressed for office work, with a longer dark coat trailing out behind him.  Against any stereotype of reckless youth, he seemed a bit older to me.  Not as old as me, mind you, but not a wild kid either.  Graying hair, dress shoes.  Just zipping along the city trail on his way to who knows where.

I continued, and, hey, there he was again!  Crossing in front of me at a crosswalk, still on the city trail.  I couldn't help but notice, and also be somewhat impressed that he was making such good time if he was able to catch up to me.

So here's the thing.  He crossed in front of me three more times between our first encounter and my final destination!  The last time was just as I was pulling into the parking lot, and he was continuing his way on up to Waterloo.  That means he was able to make the very same time on his scooter than I did in my van.  All thanks to our city trails, and a willingness to ride that scooter at a decent speed.

Not only was that an interesting and amusing little thing that just happened there, but I also thought it was a good advertisement for the city's provision of both the trails and the scooters.  Whatever efforts are being made to reduce our carbon emissions by encouraging alternate modes of transportation, this seems to be working.  At least for this guy it did.

So thank you City of Kitchener.  And I guess I should say thank you to whatever municipal offices take care of these things.  The trails in our neighbourhood are well tended and pleasant for both walking and riding.  I don't want to take that for granted.

And it makes me realize that, off the top of my head, I have no sweet clue what part of our municipal government does take care of that.  And that makes me realize that I really have very little knowledge of municipal matters at all.  Which brings me to the elections happening this coming Monday. 

I am speaking just for myself here, but shame on me.  As someone who says they want to share the message of Jesus, and believes that His message was all about people being properly looked after, hadn't I better be at least basically informed about what's going on in my city?  Sure, about the trails, but also, and far more importantly, about the people?

Caveat:  In these days where the convolution of religion (with various belief systems) and politics (at all levels) seems more bent out of shape than usual, I am not on a soapbox to press for any specific agenda.  I am a pastor, not a politician, and I make a very clear distinction between those two.  Like I said, just speaking for myself.

But as a citizen, as a Christian citizen, I am seeking to becoming more engaged.  Not just with this election, although there is that.  But with what's going on in our neighbourhoods.  Voting is the very barest minimum we can do.  Informed voting is next up on the list.  Where it takes me from there will be interesting.

Base line is some reading.  And I offer this CTV Article Meet the Candidates as a place to begin.  Do your own research, of course.  Vote your own conscience, of course.

And if you're out on an e-scooter making good time riding around on the trails of the city, good on you!  Slow down a little at the crosswalks though.  And if you're driving around the city, pay attention at those crosswalks.  

Just sayin'.  

Of Rhythms and Rest

 

Friday:  Unexpected fall-vibe bouquet.  Definitely adding to autumn cheer on a rather cool and dampish day.

Saturday:  First since mid August with nothing on the calendar!  Loved the simplicity of the regular domestic rhythms.  Loved the sunshine, and getting out for my walk!

Sunday:  Happily stepped in when an extra person was needed with our children downstairs.  Shaving cream plus the Red Sea story plus kids makes for a highly tactile lesson that reminds us "God's in charge!"  To which we respond, "It's true!!"  Then an afternoon nap, which is a sacred Sunday afternoon practice.  

All of it made for a weekend of welcome rest; a break from the somewhat frenetic energy expended in last week's catch up of meetings and appointments, where I was out and off to something every single day.

This week is the first in a long time that I've blocked off as a "No Meeting Week," needful if I'm to get at the long (and exciting, but still long) list of tasks generated by all those meetings.  

So here's to making Mondays count!

To building good rhythms into our lives.

And the simple joys of autumn living.

Random Tuesday Reset

 

"Because of the LORD's great love

we are not consumed,

for His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

I honestly could not ask for a cozier way to begin what, for me, is a fresh start on the fall season.  I know.  School started on September 8th, and the first day of fall was officially on September 22nd.  I'm a little late to the autumn gate.

But having closed the cottage over Thanksgiving Weekend, and returning now to the city 'for the duration,' it feels like I am only now experiencing that lovely, uplifting inspiration that comes with the first day of what comes next for the rest of this calendar year.  Until January 1st, and that's it's own kind of reset.

There is SO MUCH to look forward to!

So here I go, riding on this morning's new mercies.  

I've got quite the list mapped out, so I'd better get started.

Hope you enjoy your leftover turkey and pumpkin pie, friends!!!

With a special thanks to our daughter and her family for hosting our meal yesterday!!!

Everything was amazing!!!

We don't take it for granted, just being together!!!

So Much More Than

 

"Thankfully, 

what God does 

is always bigger 

than our ability to contain it."

Craig D, Lounsbrough

Now until Him who is able to do immeasurably more

than all we ask or imagine,

according to His power that is at work within us,

to Him be glory in the church

and in Christ Jesus 

throughout all generations

for ever and ever.

Amen!

Ephesians 3:20-21

May your Thanksgiving celebrations 

be but a small representation

of all the 'more than' of your life!

Happy Thanksgiving!

So Much Bigger Than Me

 

On mornings like this I pretend my face is a solar panel for my soul.

The shorter days are coming.  Less light, less sky, less of being outside.

So right now I am here drinking it in, letting all of it in that I can -- for later.

Don't forget the way it makes you catch your breath, I instruct myself.  Remember the astonishment, the awe, the way it's all so much bigger than yourself.  Store up the wonder, the silence, the stillness.  

Be right-sized.  

Be empowered.  

Be hope-filled.

Tomorrow is closing day.

Appropriately, this is also Thanksgiving Weekend.

So.  Impossibly.  Grateful.

Not Today and That's Okay

 

A beauteous but blowy morning.  Sad (and safe) to say I won't be venturing out in the kayak until it settles down some.  That's the voice of experience talking.  Especially when I can see the water level is down a bit, which would change my route slightly, requiring a longer stint across the more open waters.

What's today, Thursday?  That's putting more pressure on my hope to complete 30 times around this season by the time we leave on Sunday.  Just two more times.  But prudence prevails and I will wait.  And I will leave it a 28 if that's what it ends up being.

I don't know, but I think there are some fairly decent advantages to having been around a while.  In our youth-obsessed culture we can overlook the benefits of later stages of life, and one of them is the ability to embrace a challenge without being driven by something to prove.

I say this as a person who has contended with a driven personality for most of my adult life up until....well, truth is I'm not really sure when I finally let it go.  I think it was a more gradual process.  And perhaps its still shows up from time to time.

But by now I like myself so much more.  I appreciate my modest accomplishments, and enjoy engaging in life's current opportunities, free of the angst that drove so much that was unnecessary and even foolish in my younger, less secure years.

Does it sound like I'm just giving myself an excuse?  Maybe.  But I have stories about going out when it wasn't smart to do so.  And you know what they say about trying to attempt to do the same thing expecting different results.  Or to coin a phrase, "Know your limit.  Paddle within it."

We'll get to some of the more specific tasks of closing over on the other property today, so there's plenty to do, and plenty to keep me moving.

Yup.  It's happening.

Stay wise, friends.  And happy Thursday.

Peanut Things

 

By the time we arrived and settled in yesterday, it was way past the usual 'tea time' on our deck when the chipmunks and blue jays stop by for peanuts.  No one was asking for anything.  Couldn't even see rustling out there at all.

But because I still had a large unopened bag of peanuts from our last time up here when the weather wasn't good and I didn't sit out on the deck much at all, and because this next week is the last we'll be up here this season, I decided to put out a few on the deck rail just to see who might be around.

Before I could finish spreading out the goods, before I was even half way down, my first customer came swooping from the trees, close enough and casually enough to suggest he was one of my 'regulars.'

Is it just me, or are their colours even more vibrant this time of year?  Perhaps there's more blue/brown contrast to make them stand out.  But whatever the reason, come on, isn't he striking?

I couldn't help but make a comparison here.  Small things matter.  In fact, we use the term 'peanuts' to mean something insignificant as in 'works for peanuts.'  And I wonder who might just we waiting for us to offer some small encouragement, a smile, a simple holding of the door for someone, letting the person with fewer grocery items go ahead of you in line, leaving the space for the car trying to merge into traffic, anything small and simple.  And what if that just made their day?  What if it was that small gesture of humanity that they've just been waiting for?

And what if we let doing those 'peanut' things bring us vibrant joy?  What if the joy we may be lacking in our lives is actually right there in front of us?  And all it costs us is 'peanuts?'

I'm not working from the deck this morning; a little too breezy and cool to stay concentrated on the tasks at hand.  But I'll still put out some peanuts for the joy of vibrant company that will still cheer me from the window.  

Hoping for less breezy and sunnier skies later today to see if I can get out in the kayak!

Joyful Wednesday everyone!

One More Time!

 

Heading back to the cottage today for a final hurrah of the season.  Time to close up and return to the city 'full time.'  

But just before that....

Really looking forward to the colours.  This picture is from 2024 when Ken and I were between homes and 'forced' to stay up until the end of October....and it was spectacular.

And while Zoom and other internet wonders allow for meetings and emails and work to continue, I'm hoping to sneak in at least two more paddles around the island (to make 30), and at least one day 'off' to make up for the last 14 days running full tilt.  

It could be chilly!!  Stay tuned for pictures of a cozy fire.  

So grateful for the legacy gift that this space is to our family.  We do not take it for granted.

Truth and Reconciliation

 

"The truth is like the light;

it can be hidden for a time,

but it can never be extinguished."

Indigenous Traditional Proverb (adapted)

"If it is possible,

as far as it depends on you,

live at peace with everyone."

Romans 12:18

"Ring the bells that still can ring,

forget your perfect offering,

there is a crack in everything,

that's how the light gets in."

Leonard Cohen

Prayers today for all those seeking truth and reconciliation, 

and for all those who hold the power to make things right.

Someone to Watch Over Me

 

Psalm 32:8

I will instruct you and teach you

in the way you should go;

I will counsel you

with my loving eye on you.

It's the perfect time of year for fresh morning walks.  Praying as I go, grateful for promised guidance and counsel, and that tender 'loving eye' upon me.

With a nod to Gershwin (1929), the longing expressed in his classic jazz piece "Someone to Watch Over Me" is more than satisfied.  

[Ruminating on Psalm 32 in preparation for some teaching coming up in the spring.  Love this part of my process, just to 'feel' the text even before the 'study' part.]

Sustaining Grace

 

After an over-the-top fabulous-but-demanding weekend, I knew I needed to spend Sunday afternoon on recharge.

So, two things.  A nap, which I happily relaxed into after worship service this morning (and it was SO GOOD to be home again with my beautiful faith family).

  

And then some slow putzing-around kind of fall decorating for the rest of the afternoon.

I don't do all that much for autumn decor, and much of it is from thrift stores or Dollorama.  But there's something centering and settling about turning the corner on summer, and embracing the beauty of what's to come.

As I wrote about previously I left some 'volunteer corn' to grow in the front in hopes it would add to the fall vibe on our porch later on.  Well, it's now later on and....I'm liking it!!  Add a fall mum and a ceramic (squirrel-proof) pumpkin, and we could be on a little farm somewhere!

I'll admit that at no other time of the year is orange my default colour.  But somehow, right about now, it's about the cheeriest hue there is.  And the yellows and the browns.  Just brings the beauty happening outside inside somehow.

Inside and out.  All the fall things.

Sometimes all it takes is a little garland of leaves.

By now, on Monday morning, I am surprised and grateful.  With a few nagging health issues off to the side, in the midst of all that transpired this weekend, I fully expected to be more or less trashed by today.  Had planned to treat it as a recovery day and not get back into things until tomorrow morning.

But here I am, rested and ready for the week ahead.  I truly believe I have been carried on the prayers of so many these past several weeks.  I have been sustained by God's sweet grace, given what I needed 'for life and godliness' (2 Peter 1:3) in ways beyond my own capacity to provide.  

To all who love fall, enjoy the week.  It's supposed to be spectacular.  

To any who are weary, I know what that feels like.  Hang in, rest if you need.  Prayers for you.

And to everyone who need a bit of orange cheer these days....look around.  It's everywhere waiting for you to notice.

September Office Reset

 

For many, probably obvious reasons, September always feels like a new beginning.  Despite the forest heading into shut down, many other rhythms of autumn are starting fresh.

No doubt it's mostly all those childhood memories of school, and then our years as a homeschooling family, and then my own long and prolonged academic pursuits lasting well, well into my adult years.  September is new books, and new schedules, and, if I think about it enough, even the whiff of new pink erasers.  (Bet some of you can smell them too, now that I said it.)

I'm no longer in school.  But I do love a fresh September reset of my office space.  An extra effort to tuck away any loose papers (yes, I still have some binders), sorting and tidying those office supply drawers, finding better systems to have the stapler and hole punch handy, and a thorough wipe down and dust off of my desk top and books.

Despite having two significantly-important-but-not-urgent tasks still left unchecked on my list and no time until Monday to get at them, I chose the luxury of clearing out and freshening up my work space yesterday afternoon.  Took my time.  Enjoyed the simplicity of it.  Was mindfully present in the moments of it.  Letting it be September.  Feeling as clear headed and ready for the season ahead as my desk.

A doctor I once had the privilege to work for (in a long ago life I was a medical transcriptionist, true thing), was notoriously and ridiculously disorganized, particularly in terms of his office and desk.  And he was brilliant.  And we all respected him and he got the job done with excellence.  

And while there appears to be fascinating thought about the psychological effects of a tidy workspace, and also the connection between intelligence and messy spaces -- the debate about which I won't address here but leave to your own exploration if you like -- I know for a fact that I can't think clearly in clutter.  

So.  Big sigh of satisfaction.  My office is ready, and now I feel ready.

And I bet those two tasks get done more efficiently on Monday anyways.  

Giving myself space.

Embracing small joys.

Wishing for you simple pleasures as well.

Let the Colours Begin!

 

Pausing here in the middle of what feels like busy-enough day, just before I move into three busier-than-I've-had-in-a-while days over the weekend.  (Yay for New Family Foundation's Annual Garage Sale!)

Yup.  Back in the city.  That means places to go, people to see, things to do.  It is all the more important that I begin the day with my walk, which I do, in glorious sunshine, the warmth of which feeling so good through my jacket against the crisp of the morning air.

And while the leaves on the trees along the path have yet to turn, there's a creeping vine that always seems eager to get autumn going, with it's brilliant red flourishing finish to the summer season.  

I feel ready.  My summer-loving soul is always clingy for the last days of warm and bright, and it's never easy to close down the cottage for the winter, a task we have yet to do, booked for the week prior to Thanksgiving.  Still, there comes a time, especially when the summer's been so abundant and rich and full and good, when it's okay to let go.  Like the leaves will show us soon.

It's a kind of contentment, satisfaction, feeling all filled up that the psalmist described in Psalm 131.

My heart is not proud, LORD,

my eyes are not haughty;

I do not concern myself with great matters,

things too wonderful for me.

But I have calmed and quieted myself,

I am like a weaned child with its mother;

like a weaned child I am content.

Israel (people of God), put your hope in the LORD,

both now and forevermore.

Like a weaned child.  Not needy.  Satisfied.  Content.  

That's how this fall is starting off for me.  

Plus, I still have my seasonal decorating to do, which I love!  And the birdfeeders to refill!  

Happy Fall Thursday, folks.

Let the colours begin!

White Asters

It's been an intentional choice of self-care to be here at the cottage for these first days back in Canada.  I haven't really done this before - stayed "away" just a bit longer.  Usually I succumb to the pressure to be "back," responding to various requests for my time and attention, now that I'm "available."  All of which is understandable, and I actually very much want to re-engage quickly, having been so far away for a period of time.

But.

This time things felt different.

Partly because, despite being more or less stationed here at the cottage since early June, I really haven't blocked off any personal time except for when the whole family was here in July.  Preparing for this past visit, plus several speaking engagements, plus preparing to officiate two weddings, not to mention the regular stuff of ministry life as a Missionary in Residence, made for quite a demanding summer.  And I'm not complaining.  I chose it, and I love what I get to do.

And.

My body is more seasoned, which has significant advantages, but also some greater needs for maintenance.  I just don't bounce back from 24 hours of travel and 12 hours of time difference like I did 20 years ago.  So there's that.

So.

Looking at and praying over the calendar for the fall, there was this strong leaning towards pushing pause before jumping right back into city life again.

Pause to stop typing and just be still for a moment.

Then.

As I write I am on the deck on a slightly breezy and very pleasant September afternoon.  It's quiet.  One of those 'no human-made sounds' moments that have such restorative powers.  It's Sunday, and on Sunday NOT working is very much the obedient thing to do.  I embrace this.

The plethora of white asters that surround the cottage this time of year remind me of the lilies of the field that 'do not work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.'  Matthew 6:28  Which reminds me that it's okay to just 'be' and let God take care of the rest.

The rest.

The resting.

I suppose it's evidence of the deeper places of lingering workaholism and perfectionism that I still find it necessary to make such a thing of taking time to do nothing for a while; that it's actually still so hard to do; that I have to make such a point of it; that I feel the need to write about it.  It reveals to me the work still needed in my soul, I feel.  The letting go and letting God.  The releasing of control for outcomes.  The surrendering of the desire to impress.  The defiance against the fear of not being enough that pushes and drives and demands.  

The asters know nothing of this.  They just are.  In abundance, dancing.  Soaking in the sunshine on a sabbathy afternoon.  And I am with them.

 

See?

 

There's something so humbling about this moment for me.  Every time.

It's the farewell prayer on the last night before leaving.  

It's at the end of evening worship.  We've sung the last songs, read the last books, and recited Colossians 3:17 for the last time...for now.  I've wrapped up our last lesson about "In Style With Jesus."  [On this particular night we had a ridiculously silly fashion show, wearing all the items given out for each lesson.  That's what all the bandanas and such are about.]   And I've told them how much I love them.  Told them to never forget it.

That's when I'm invited to sit on a chair, and they come and lay hands.  Gentle little fingertips, and two of them have taken one of my hands to hold.  They all pray together out loud, like a mystic murmuring that wraps around me and upward in a wispy multicoloured ribbon of promise and unconditional love.  

I receive it openly.  And each time I hear the Father say, "See?  Here it is. The desire of your heart."  And all those moments in the past when I felt useless, and unworthy, and not enough, and forgotten, and misunderstood, and accused are all revealed for their folly.  Every promise to 'work all things out for good' is made solid.  And I get the sense that should the Lord choose that singular moment to take me, I would wake up in the presence of God, totally surrounded by love and peace, and not feel any different.

My bags are all packed and weighed all but what can't be done until you brush your teeth for the last time and walk out the door.  Breakfast first.  Then a last wave goodbye to the kids on their way to school.  Then I'll sneak back into the meeting room and hide 'ganoms' (treats) on the bookshelves for them to find tonight.  Then off to the airport around 8 a.m. my time.

Expectations are to arrive in Toronto at around 9:30 p.m.  I will have been travelling for more than 24 hours, but we chase the sun back, and regain the 12 hours we lost on the way here.

I am eager to be back with my beloved husband and all the other loves God has so richly granted me in Canada.  AND my heart aches with the human limitation of only being able to be in one place at one time.

As always, I cannot adequately express my gratitude for how well taken care of I've been while here, and for the deep respect I have for Suradet and Yupa and all they so generously offer to the plans and purposes of God in this place.

And also, my deep, deep thanks to all those who support my being here in so many ways; not the least of which is my own husband and family, but also all those who contribute to my Missionary in Residence stiped so faithfully each month, and anyone who takes on just a little more work and responsibility to cover my absence in big and small ways.

I'll do my usual Facebook posts along the way, letting everyone know my progress.  First stop, Taipei.  Then the long flight to Toronto.  I have myself a pretty decent seat, if I do say so myself.  Aisle, near the back, close to bathrooms and a little bit of extra aisle space to stretch in.  And I have  LOT of pictures to sort, so there's that.

Grateful.

On my way.

The Little Things That Aren't Little At All

 

"Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters

cannot be trusted with important matters."

Albert Einstein

When a kid does something that's just decent and good, you want to say something about it.

But first you need to try to imagine the happy chaos of being with about 12 children who are all working hard on their English reading, writing and comprehension skills -- all at the same time.  I'm on my own this trip.  No such luxury of dividing up into groups with competent and eager English-speaking members of the Team.  No such assistance from "Crew Cher-o" (our experienced English learning specialist who's been twice before).  Just me, setting out the notebooks and activities Cheryl has designed for us, and then, as they arrive one by one, immersing myself in the happy buzz of kids figuring things out.

My job is to supervise as best I can, then, when a task is complete, provide a check on their card.  Once the card is filled up with thirty checks in total, they can select a prize from the basket later on during evening worship time. They work hard for this.  It's a big deal.

The challenge comes when they are finished one task and ready to go on to the other, but have to stop by me first for their check.  If too many finish at one time, I've got several little eager voices calling my name, and it's easy to lose track of who's completed what.  I do my best, and I'm pretty careful.  Don't worry, they will certainly make sure I don't miss any check marks on their card.

And then there's Jonah.  

Yesterday they had two printing assignments to add their notebooks.  Most of the children completed both of them before coming to me for two checks.  Jonah, however, did it one at a time.  But the second time he came for a check mark, I had forgotten about already doing so for the first assignment and just gave him two checks automatically.

He stopped me.

No, Ahjahn Ruth.  I only get one this time.

Okay, just stop here for a second.  I know this seems small.  One little check amongst thirty.  It would have been so easy for him to let my mistake slide for his benefit.  I mean, it's just one little checkmark, right?  But he didn't.

I made a point of commending him in that moment.  And I also mentioned it again in front of everyone later that night at evening worship.  Now I'm bragging on him to you.  Because we can't let little things like that go unnoticed.  If we want to raise up people of integrity; if we want to teach and model honesty, let's celebrate it when it happens.

Jonah (right) waiting his turn for popcorn, 

with Jua (left) and Tharit (centre).

One more thing.

Our kids come from places of neediness, most of them.  It would be so easy for them to stay into survival mode and think and behave in ways that are understandably self-serving and tight.  When they can relax and come at life with a gentle confidence that allows space for waiting, space for honesty, space for others, it's a particularly encouraging sign that they feel loved and secure.  And this is huge.  A small thing, but a huge deal.

Today our English time will be reading only.  Just to change it up.  We have been given a great gift of many books designed especially for early readers, provided to us by Pat Harrison of Blueberry Hill Books for which we are so grateful.

It Was Just a Little One

 

My husband would say that this is one of those stories I should keep to myself if I want to convince people to come along for a visit.  But in the interest of full transparency, and mostly because I find this kind of thing fascinating and a teeny bit fun, here goes.

It really was just a little one, waiting for me in the drain as I got ready for my shower.  So small I thought at first it was just a large worm, and almost reached in to pick it up and deal with it on my own.  But, remembering where I am after all, I sprayed a little water on it to see if it was even alive.

When it curled up quickly in a mini striking position, the gig was up.  Yup, a snake.  Just a little one, or did I say that already?  But not knowing for sure exactly what I might be dealing with, and knowing that some venomous creatures are actually more potent in their smaller forms, something like jalapeno peppers, I went to fetch someone who might help me out of this small-but-slithery situation.

Found Yupa first, and told her in a joking kind of way, "Excuse me, but I really don't want to shower with a snake."  She didn't hesitate.  Grabbed the nearest bamboo stick and went ahead of me like the mighty hero she is.

My apologies to all herpetophiles for what comes next.

It only took three or four thunks, and the problem was solved.  Yupa says this is not a venomous snake, but Thais have a policy of 'deal with' first, ask questions later, due to the large number of snakes generally speaking, and how it's more likely that any given snake will be dangerous than not.  

Despite the fact that I am highlighting this little event right out of the gate on this visit, you need to know that this didn't phase me. Don't be impressed.  It was not even in the same ballpark as the time I finished my shower to discover a decent sized scorpion had joined me at one point, brazen little thing!  That time the teenage girls took care of it for me with the handle of the toilet brush.  Just another day in a tropical climate out in a more rural setting I guess.  By now, having done this for 18 years, I should hope a little snake in the drain wouldn't be too much of a thing.

As I mentioned in yesterday's Highview to Thailand post Yay For Everything, I am feeling amazingly good.  Jet lag is definitely a thing, yes, but I slept very well this first night, which is usual but helpful.  Today is Sunday and I have zero expectations on me, except to give a little hello (hopefully in Thai if my brain kicks into gear) to the beautiful souls who gather here for worship, and then later, after supper, to begin our series on 'In Style With Jesus" with the children.  Lots of space and exactly the right kind of gentle in which to recover for this first day.

One great feature for me personally is how quickly I can feel all settled in and at home.  Like I never left.  

Looking forward to a great day!!!

Grateful to be here, and grateful for every bit of love and support I receive from so many of you to do this thing I get to do!!!

Hope all my Canadian friends are having a great Labour Day weekend!