Stain Glass Lens of the 21st Century

Category: encouraging

  • Contented Christmas

    Contented Christmas

    Photo by Taryn Elliott/Pexels

    Do you recall the children’s game Snakes & Ladders?  It is a square game board with 100 squares on it with the first one starting in the lower left corner and ending with 100th square in the upper left corner. The game is easy, just roll the dice and move your game piece that many spaces.  If you are lucky you land on a square with a ladder and it moves you upwards but if you are not so lucky you land on a square with a snake and you slither downward losing the ground you had gained.

    On our board there was a long snake on the 97th square that slide all the way down to the 13th square.  If you landed on it you were sent back to almost the beginning of the game.  It was that snake that came to my mind last week when the COVID case count went above 4000 cases daily in Ontario.  We began  December with wonderful plans and why not?  We had gone weeks with little to no new COVID cases in Grey-Bruce Counties; we had every reason to be excited.  Then we landed on the 97th square and slid all the way back down to the beginning. Now there are Government restrictions on how many can gather inside, outside and in stores. Theatres are canceling their shows and those who had travel plans are now staying put.   

     And yet, it isn’t exactly the same as last December because we’ve been down this road before and we know more than we did a year ago.  For example we know that to end the spread we have to do some simple things like wash our hands, distance ourselves and wear a 3 ply mask.  We also know this won’t last forever; this 5th wave will flatten out just like the 3rd and 4th waves did.  Like Maya  Angelou writes, “Every storm runs out of rain.”  

     I did despair for a few days; the days we returned many of the Christmas gifts, downsized the menu and began to figure out ways to ZOOM with family members.  Then I decided to try another approach to this Christmas; the approach the Apostle Paul teaches, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…”(Philippians 4:12). So, I am calling this my Contented Christmas.

    This Christmas I am disciplining myself to be contented with whatever may be.  And, once I settled into this contented mindset some amazing things began to happen.  First, we went for a lovely evening walk through the woods under a star filled sky.  We slowed to enjoy the silhouetted trees against the moonlit sky and to count the stars; the peacefulness of that walk seeped in and left me soulfully grateful.

    Then, Sunday evening the kitchen filled with this otherworldly light, I went to the window and witnessed the most incredible full moon!  It appeared like a perfectly round balloon hovering just above the tree line spreading an iridescent yellow and orange light through my backyard.  We stepped onto the deck to bask in its glow. And, today, as I post this BLOG, it is the longest night of the year; we are at the tipping point.  The winter solstice tips us towards gathering light daily. 

    So, yes, it is true, this isn’t the Christmas most of us had hoped for but despite COVID and its variants the Christ Child will arrive.  The divine mystery of God’s enduring light will continue to shine in the darkness; a darkness that cannot extinguish its glow.  

    May you find a way to enjoy this holy season making the most of Christmas 2021 for it will never come around again!  And may the love of the Creator, the joy of the Spirit and the peace of the Christ child be with you this Christmas and evermore.   

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • Park Benches!

    Park Benches!

    Photo by Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

    There has been a new edition to our daily walks; park benches! Over a two week period in mid-October the park staff were busy arranging new memorial park benches throughout the park. Each bench has been donated in memory of a loved one. One can now have a rest half way up the 1 mile trail allowing for a panoramic view of the winding creek.  Other benches were added along “Ring Road”, beside the Sydenham River, by each of the play grounds and in quiet out-of-the way spots in the park. 

    One of the highlights of my mid-day walk with Abby, my canine sidekick, is two women who share the same park bench.  They can be found around noon proudly sitting behind their walkers which have been decorated with flags and ribbons.  They both wear bright red headbands, navy coats and one has a lovely yellow scarf while the other wears a bright green scarf.  Each as cheerful as the colours they wear.  

    There is an elderly gentleman who I often see sitting on a bench in a quieter part of the park.  He nods in response to my “hellos” but never offers any more conversation.  I have assumed the bench was donated in memory of his wife and it is while sitting there he daily converses with her despite her physical absence.

    During one walk I found a sweet blue and white rabbit sitting on one of the benches, someone had carefully placed it there with a heavy rock upon its lap.  I stopped and smiled as I thought of the child who is looking for this furry friend and the many adventures they must have shared; my hope was that the bunny found its way home.

    Another time I witnessed a grandma sitting on the bench with a small child sharing a picture book.  I knew a child like this, one who would carry books everywhere, always preferring books to jungle gyms or slides.  I hope someday to sit on the same bench with one of his children, my grandchildren, sharing in a book while the others run and play.

    This past week I noticed that many of the benches have been decorated with bows or Christmas decorations.  Presumably this is done by family members of those whose names are on each bench; an act of remembrance which is most important during this sacred season.

    In the few short weeks that these benches have been present they have nurtured rest, reflection, friendship, healing, and created countless memories. May we never forget to pause and appreciate the small things for as it is written, “Enjoy the little things in life for one day you will look back and realize they were the big things.”

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • Beating The Blahs!  

    Beating The Blahs!  

    Photo by Darius Krause/Pexels

    The days have been so grey lately that my light sensory Christmas decorations have been going on by 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon.  I don’t mind though, those little multi coloured lights help to brighten an already dark and dull landscape. 

    As we now head into the darkest days of the year it is important we take with us all we need to find our way back out again.  For some these darkened days spiral into despair, depression and days of such low energy they can barely climb out of bed.

    The tipping point is almost here, hang on!  Tuesday December 21st at exactly 10:59 a.m. E.S.T. we will arrive to the tipping point; this will be the longest night of the year and then we begin to gather more light daily.

    What do we need to navigate these last couple weeks of dullness?  Lights and lots of them!  Cover your house with Christmas light, inside and out.  I would even suggest you consider keeping a few strands of the indoor lights up until well into March. And candles, there is something healing and comforting about a flickering candle, perhaps its warmth and aroma softens the darkness and transforms it into something romantic and otherworldly.

    We also need good company.  Recently I have been enjoying the company of an old friend I hadn’t thought of since I was around 10 or 11 years old.  The ever optimistic Francie Nolan and her Tree of Heaven in the book a Tree Grows in Brooklyn.   Each evening I look forward to time with Francie and her stories of life in 1940s Brooklyn.  There are many ways to connect with friends:  Skype, ZOOM, Facebook, WhatsApp, or simply pick up the phone! 

    And, we need exercise.  It is natural for us to feel less energy during these grey days.  Getting out for a walk even if it is at the local mall helps to rejuvenate us and increases endorphins, dopamine, adrenaline and endocannabinoid all which are brain chemicals that help us feel happy, confident, capable, and less anxious. 

    There is also the need for a talk with God.  Take time to pray, read scripture, meditate or listen to your favorite preacher on YouTube.  Cultivating faith aids us in seeing the bigger picture and is a sure fire way to buoy our spirits.

    Don’t forget to be silly during these darkened days!  Intentionally adding fun and joy to our days adds brightness. I heard of a couple who went to the local toy store and bought silly string.  They had a riot in their own back yard!  One youth group leader brightened up everyone’s day last Sunday by letting loose a confetti cannon in the sanctuary!  So, sing a song, do a little dance or draw a picture.  Find a way to be creative and think outside of the box.

    Finally, end each day with a fistful of gratitude.  As you lay in bed, about to dose off, count five things from that day you are grateful for; by expressing gratitude we barricade the darkness from seeping in.

    May you find a spark of heavenly light in every day,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • A Determined Hope

    A Determined Hope

    Photo by Maria Orlova/Pexels

    (Hello everyone, this is the second time you have received this BLOG this week. When I reread the original BLOG I noticed a big mistake. It is amazing how the positioning of two words can alter the meaning entirely. Perhaps you will notice the change….maybe you won’t! Thanks for joining us at Stainglass Lense!)

    When hiking the trails through Grey-Bruce Counties it is likely you will come across one of the most hope filled images in all of God’s creation, a tree growing out of a rock. With its roots stretching over the sides of the rock and sinking deep into the earth while its limbs reach up to touch the sun, each tree seems to embrace these large rocks.  This image has always encouraged me and I have pondered, is this an image of hope or is it an image of determination; perhaps, a determined hope?

    This is the image that pops into my mind each Advent when the words of the Prophet Isaiah are read, “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit (Isaiah 11:1).”  In other words, out of a seemingly dead tree new life will emerge with a determined hope.

    Isaiah is speaking of the kingdom which began with Christ and continues to be realized through the Spirit of God. In this kingdom the wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, justice will cover the earth as water fills the sea and peace will be maintained between all the nations (Isaiah 11:1-10). 

    Isaiah is speaking to those who know how to deepen their roots around hardship, embracing change while reaching upward.  He is reminding us that with God there is always hope for new life to emerge.

     This coming Sunday we begin our Advent journey.  And, as is tradition we will begin by lighting the candle of Hope.  I cannot imagine a better way to start any journey then with hope.

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • God-Size Ambitions

    God-Size Ambitions

    Photo by Brett Jordan/Unsplash

    The world is packed full of ambitious people.  Those who want to make a name for themselves, who want to be admired for either their accomplishments or possessions.  Usually these worldly types are not so concerned about impressing us with their meekness, gentleness or humility as they are with their might; whether it be physical, financial or wit.

    Then there are those who live their lives with God-Size ambitions.  God-Size ambitions cannot be measured by any worldly scale.  Instead, those who live by these ambitions focus on such things that endure; “…love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5: 22-23). These folks are busy building a kingdom that no earthly hands can destroy. 

    They are the ones who take time to speak words of light, love and encouragement.  They are the ones in the world who work in the shadows feeding the hungry, visiting with the lonely and empowering the lost.  They are the ones who always have the time to listen deeply, pointing in the direction of God’s love.  They are defined by their truthfulness, kindness and humility.  

    The late Rev. William Carey often said in his sermons, “Expect great things from God.  Attempt great things for God!” What great things are you doing for God today?  What are your God-size ambitions?

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel  

  • Selah.

    Selah.

    Photo by Josh Hild, Unsplash

    The lawn furniture is tucked away; the bird baths wiped dry and the rain barrels emptied and standing upside down.   

    The vegetable garden has been raked bare, the flowerbeds snipped back and the flowerboxes removed. The firewood is stacked; the hearth scrubbed with a basket of new unread books waiting upon it and the fruit cellar is full of sustenance. 

    Our winter sweaters, mittens, toques, scarves and jackets have been aired on the cloth line while our boots now line the back hall. It has been a busy week but never before have we been so ready for the arrival of winter!

    On Sunday, we paused from all the busyness to take a leisurely hike down some familiar trails. As we crested a small hill the wind blew strong enough to loosen hundreds of leaves which rode the breeze in descent; they danced gracefully towards us. We stopped and reached upwards to receive. The leaves fell like confetti around us.

    This awe-filled moment was so brief yet it refreshed us beyond measure; to be able to stop all the busyness and fill up on God’s presence is a divine gift indeed.  These are “Selah” moments.   

    Selah is a Hebrew word with various meanings all relating to pausing long enough to venerate God’s holy presence and to reflect on these holy moments.

    The author of Psalm 46 wrote of Selah, “When the mountains quake and the waters roar, the Lord is my refuge and strength….Selah. (I will pause and reflect on this)!  God makes wars to cease and breaks the bow… the Lord of hosts is with us…Selah. (I will pause and reflect on this)! Be still, and know that I am God…Selah. (I will pause and reflect on this)!”

    May you too have many Selah moments that amount to days enlightened by God’s quiet and beautiful presence.       

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • Strange Happenings In a Country Cemetery

    Strange Happenings In a Country Cemetery

    Photo by Scott Rodgerson/Unsplash

    It was a cool and rainy morning following a cool and rainy night.  He arrived to the cemetery just as the birds were beginning their morning song.  As he scanned the cemetery he noticed the lid on the wooden box behind the shed was a bit askew.  This box is used in the winter to hold salt and in the summer it holds large bags of grass seed.  He cautiously approached wondering what it was this time; a raccoon or a skunk that had slipped inside?  What he found was far more shocking!

    If it had been anyone else that opened the box they would have screamed, ran and dialed 9-1-1, but not this guy.  This retired Funeral Home Director, Pete, had seen countless dead bodies over his career, what was one more?

    Thing was, this body, although found in a wooden box in a cemetery, wasn’t dead. As Pete fully opened the box the shoe-less figure stirred a bit but didn’t wake until the one holding the lid said in a rather loud and booming voice, “Hey! What are you doing in there?”

    Startled the young man tried to get to his feet but was jammed pretty good inside the box.  Pete helped him to his socked feet then aided him in getting out of his cramped quarters.  They quickly walked to Pete’s pickup truck where he turned the heat on full blast and began to ask questions, many questions.

    Since retiring up to “cottage country” this Funeral Director had become active on a couple of country cemetery boards and had taken on the role as Grounds Keeper.  It was in this role that he arrived early that morning prepared to cut some grass, trim some weeds and put down new grass seed, instead he retrieved a tired soul from inside a wooden box.

    As the young man attempted to explain how he ended up inside that box Pete turned his truck around and headed for home to retrieve an old pair of shoes and a warm jacket for this wayward guest.  Pete then drove this young man back into town all the while listening to his not so happy tale.

    Apparently, he had been enjoying an evening at the local Pub when a group of guys suggested he join them for a bush party. Young, foolish and feeling a bit adventurous he agreed to join the group as they jumped into a car and headed out.  Before he knew it he was down a country road he hadn’t ever seen before and after a few more drinks he couldn’t possibly find his way home.   The same group of guys decided to head back into town but tired of his company so they took his shoes and dropped him off at a cross road.  He managed to walk as far as the cemetery, found the box, crawled in and the rest, as they say, is history.

    Pete dropped him off at a Tim Hortons while passing him a couple of bucks. The young man thanked Pete profusely before getting out.

    Jesus tells us that when we feed the hungry, cloth the poor and visit the lonely we are feeding, clothing and visiting him.  He assures us that when we serve the least among us we are serving him; what he doesn’t tell us is that these opportunities to serve will, at times, arrive rather unexpectedly.

    That morning Pete may have done more than just cloth and feed this young man but may have also restored this young man’s confidence in humankind; and modeled a loving response to life.

    I wonder, what would you do if you found a body in a wooden box in the cemetery?!

    Happy Halloween Everyone!

    Rev. Heather McCarrel   

  • The Call of Autumn

    The Call of Autumn

    Photo by Timothy Eberly/Unsplash

    Do you hear it? 

    The wind whistles it, the leaves whisper it as they dance about, the creek babbles it, the red squirrels chattered it along with the chipmunks, the Canadian Geese honk it as they fly overhead and the birds sing it as they gather at the feeders.

    It is the mantra of autumn, “The time of change has arrived.”

    This time of change grants us permission to modify our life in ways that bring about more contentment and discover deeper peace of mind.  We can reshape our days to create space for those things that make us happy; more time for longer walks, to read a good book or to finish some of the half-finished quilting or woodworking projects. 

    Autumn is a transformational time that asks, “Where is there room for change in my life and do I have the courage to make these changes?”

    One change I have made is the baking of bread. I missed the routine and award of making bread so for the past few weeks I have been thrilled to fill the house with the aroma of bread baking. I also have reclaimed the old fashion task of hand written notes.  We are a people of texting and emails so I have committed to two hand written notes each week.  

    What changes have you wanted to make? As Charles Darwin wrote, “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”

    Now is the time to answer the call of autumn and have the courage to make some of those long desired changes.

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • A Kernel of Gratitude  

    A Kernel of Gratitude  

    Photo by Priscilla Du Preez/Unsplash

    Every year at Thanksgiving, whether there are only two around the table or twenty-two, each plate has 3 small kernels of un-popped colourful dried corn placed upon it. Before the meal is served we each take our place around the table and together share three things we are thankful for in the past year.  Then we place the kernels in a glass bowl which is placed in the middle of the table.  It is a thing of beauty to see the many different coloured kernels knowing each represents gratitude. 

    Tevye the Dairyman in the play Fiddler On the Roof sings a ‘tongue–in-cheek’ song about the importance of traditions and he concludes that without traditions life would be as shaky as a “fiddler on the roof.”  I tend to agree with Tevye; traditions help to steady us in an otherwise unstable world.

    It is important to me that my children witness traditions that tether them to faithful living and teach them to find hope in a difficult world.  By demonstrating gratitude we are living what the Apostle Paul teaches, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (Thessalonians 5:16-18)

    This year, as my family gathers for Thanksgiving we do so with three less family members; it has been a difficult year.  And yet, we will keep the Thanksgiving tradition of ‘Counting the Kernels of Gratitude’ because each small kernel reminds us of God’s presence, providence and promises.  As Henri Nouwen writes, “Gratitude goes beyond the ‘mine’ and ‘thine’ and claims the truth that all of life is a pure gift.”

    May everyone take time this Thanksgiving to pause and count enough blessings until you too are confident that life is pure gift!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • The Echo of Orange

    The Echo of Orange

    One day in 1973, a little girl named Phyllis Webstad from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation began her first day at St. Joseph’s Residential School in Williams Lake, British Colombia, Canada.  She proudly wore an orange shirt her granny gave her for this special day.  Soon after she arrived at school, that shirt was removed from her. Forty years later, September 30th, 2013, she publicly shared her story for the first time and Orange Shirt Day was birthed.

    Sadly, in May of this year, with the use of ground-penetrating radar, 215 unmarked graves were discovered at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. Since then, over eighteen hundred unmarked graves have been found; children who died in Canadian residential schools. 

    Phyllis Webstad most likely never guessed the significance of what she began the day she nervously shared her story.  Her voice is now the voice of over eighteen hundred children and the Orange Shirt Day has become Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

    The Government of Canada has legislated every September 30th as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The passing of Bill C-5 follows the 2015 TRC recommendation that Orange Shirt Day be formally recognized as a federal statutory holiday. 

    This day is set aside for listening deeply and holding space for the stories of the survivors.  We are to reflect on changes needed to elevate the voices of our First Nations, Metis, and Inuit neighbors. 

    Take time on September 30th to watch CBC’s commercial-free programming honouring stories of survivors. You can listen to Phyllis Webstad at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3vUqr01kAk

    And, if you do decide to purchase an orange shirt, please do so from an Indigenous designer that gives proceeds to survivors and reconciliation work.  The photo with this BLOG is of a t-shirt purchased from M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre in Owen Sound and was designed locally.  

    May we live the commitment of equality for all,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel