Stain Glass Lens of the 21st Century

Category: Faith

  • Lost To The World

    Lost To The World

    Photo by Bruno Martins/Unsplash

    I have a friend; we will call him George, who is completely lost to the world.  Unfortunately this wonderful and brilliant man now has a form of cognitive decline and often is not aware of his surroundings.  The last time we had a visit he believed himself to be at the bank. The time before that he welcomed me to sit with him at the coffee shop as he waited for a fresh cup of java; both times he was safely in his room.  

    This last time, as he explained how he was waiting for the bank teller to return, I purposely got out my bible and turned to the first page, a picture of Jesus, and turning the picture toward George I asked, “Hey, do you know who this is?”

    He paused, smiled his big signature smile and said, “I know him!  He is my friend.” 

    “Yes” I said, “And he said he would be our Shepherd.”

    George nodded his head and started, “The Lord is my Shepherd.  I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures…”.  Together we recited the 23rd Psalm.  Once done, while holding the picture of Jesus up again I said, “Your friend has also taught us how to pray.”

    “Oh, yes.  He did.” Said George, “ It goes like this, “ Our Father who art in heaven….”.   Together we recited the prayer. 

    Partway through the prayer, to my utter surprise, my voice caught on the lump that had formed in my throat.  Tears had formed in the corners of my eyes.  I paused realizing this divine drenched moment had moved me to tears.    

    When we had completed the Lord’s Prayer George smiled and said, “That friend never leaves me and he has been there for me through so much.”

    This is a man of great faith, an enduring faith.  He was always involved at his church carrying with him the compassion, joy, wisdom and love of God.  Everyone who knew him knew he was a Christian.  This never left him, even when he seems lost to the world, he isn’t lost to Jesus.

     We are each being welcomed into an eternal relationship with the one who will lead us into life abundant.  A life abundant with meaning, joy, purpose, hope, accompaniment and grace upon grace. We are being invited to follow the one who knows our hearts, our stories, our failures, what grieves us and what gives us joy.  This God offers us a sustaining faith to carry us through this life and to the life beyond. 

    What an amazing invitation!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel   

  • The Eternal Echo of Smallness

    The Eternal Echo of Smallness

    Photo by Lilaartsy/Pexels

    At Bible Study last week one of the participants asked, “Why can’t God do something as big as the disasters?  The flooding out west, the horrific carnage of the forest fires last summer or this pandemic that has taken over the entire globe.  These disasters cannot be ignored. Why can’t God do something that is so big everyone witnesses God’s power?”

    Her question expressed the true longing of the Advent Season; the longing for God’s kingdom to be realized. 

    Many others around the table nodded their heads in agreement and she quietly added, “I know God is at work.  We hear about those who step up to help and we hear about those who survived against the odds. We hear the heroic stories and know God is busy turning things around.  But why do we always have to look so hard to see the small acts of God?”

    She has a point.  God does do things in obscure places in seemingly unnoticeable ways; a baby born to poor parents in a barn who grows to lead an endless worldwide movement that begun with only 12 followers.  

    As the Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Corinth Church, “…God chose the small things…Yes, he chose even the things which seem to be nothing. He did this to destroy the big things.” (1 Corinthians 1:28)

    Forest fires are eventually extinguished by each tiny drop of water and each sand bag does its part to hold back the flood.  This is how God’s kingdom works, small and quiet acts that echo for eternity.

    We can help realize God’s kingdom by small acts of peace, respect, and acceptance. What a difference the world would be if each one of us decided to do one small act of kindness every day; imagine the tremendous wave of hope, peace, joy and love that would wash over the world!

    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   

  • 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 Fluttering of Wings

    The Fluttering of Wings

    Photo by Javardh/Unsplash

    There are angels among us; I know this to be true because I have seen them. 

    It wasn’t easy to make out their faces as they kept their identity well hidden behind protective glasses and face masks.  Most of them had tucked their hair up in tight caps on their heads.  These colourful caps had a large button sewn on each side and from what I could tell these buttons were used to hold up their glasses and face masks, a most ingenious design.

    My mother had been taken by ambulance to the local hospital and was later admitted.  She had been bravely battling cancer and due to some complications of her treatment was in need of some special care.  Definitely the angels that surrounded her bed were offering a compassionate and dignified care.

    One afternoon, as a couple of these angels were tending to my mother in her hospital room, I stood in the hallway with my back up against the wall.  From this vantage point I witnessed as they swirled about pushing folks in wheel chairs, aiding others to walk steadily with their canes and in one case aiding a young man with his broken arm; they were in constant motion.

    A few days later, after my mother had been moved to the local hospice I again witnessed the gentle yet strong energy of these otherworldly beings.  They tended to my mother and in equal measure took time to care for our grieved and saddened souls.  My dad, who was helplessly watching the love of his life fade away, was tended to by these angels in such a way it ministered to us all.

    What I cannot understand is how can there be both atheists and angels among us?  How can one witness the selfless care of nurses; their willingness to step fully into people’s pain, illness and messiness and not see the divinity of their presence?  They step forward when most of us purposely run in the opposite direction.  Only a great and loving God could create such beings as nurses; those both skilled and called to help others.

    I cannot watch the care of a good nurse and not turn to God and say, “Thank you!”.

    After my mother had taken her last breath and all the arrangements had been made one last nurse came to offer words of comfort and as she turned to leave the room I am almost 100% sure I heard the fluttering of wings.

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • Cause of Joy!

    Cause of Joy!

    Photo: Abigail McCarrel

    Her arrival was a bit unexpected.  We found her in a sad situation, the runt of a rather poorly kept litter of pups in a wooden box kept in a dark and cold barn.  We had gone just to take a look, but left with this wee bundle of fur in our arms.  Her little ears stood straight up on a tiny head under which were two serious eyes that studied our every move.  Once placed on the floor this bundle of fur would never wander far, always staying close encouraging pats of assurance.  I should have been exhausted from the several “bathroom” breaks each night and the early morning play sessions, instead by day 3 I knew exactly what to name her, Abigail. 

    Abigail means “cause of joy” in Hebrew. In the Bible, Abigail, King David’s second wife, is described as a beautiful and intelligent woman.  My canine sidekick has lived fully into her name.

    Each morning as we sip our coffees and read over the difficult headlines our “Cause of Joy” lies between us having her ears massaged or her belly rubbed, as if reminding us not to despair.  Each evening she brings her balls and toys dropping them at our feet as we watch the 6:00 news not allowing us time to wallow in the sadness of the world.  By bedtime this “Cause of Joy” has had us out for an evening walk among the tall trees and along the babbling brook.  She is our angel and I cannot imagine life without her.

    Life isn’t easy these days. It never has been.  There will always be difficult people, painful prognosis, frightening headlines and causes of grief.  We must counter this with causes of joy.

    I know one woman whose cause of joy is her house plants.  Two hours each Saturday morning is dedicated to their care.  Her love of plants has resulted in a degree in botany of which is the field she now works.  She is blessed to have discovered a source of joy which fills her days.

    Another woman tells me her joy comes from reading.  She takes great delight in finding a new novel and before starting it she arranges herself in her favorite chair, with a cup of tea and a plate of cookies.  Then the ceremony of meeting new characters and going on an adventure begins.

    I have met several grandparents that have discovered great joy when time is spent with their grandchildren.  Some even commit to babysit regularly so to fill up on that joy!

    What is your cause of joy?  What brings a spring to your step and a song to your heart?  Fill up on this joy as often as possible; it is the antidote to all the sadness of life!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • The Good Shepherd

    The Good Shepherd

    Photo by Antonello Falcone/Unsplash

    Before beginning the BLOG I would like to welcome all the new comers to the Stainglasslens; in the past two weeks there have been several new “Followers” and it has been exciting.  I write weekly seeking to understand and/or celebrate God’s presence in the world, thank-you for joining me on the journey. 

    This Sunday we at the Kemble-Sarawak, Zion-Keppel Pastoral Charge will be meeting for in-person worship on the side lawn of the Kemble-Sarawak Church.  The scripture passages we will be reflecting on are John 10:1-10 and Psalm 23.  In both passages we are reminded of a Good Shepherd who cares and tends to us each.

    This Good Shepherd image has been one that used to carry me through difficult times.  It was comforting to think that I was a mere sheep and Jesus, as an extension of God, was my Good Shepherd who cared for and protected me from all evil.  As it is written, “Who can be against me if God is for me?” (Romans 8:31)

    But then life happened.  There came cancer, sudden deaths, I watched 3 of my best friends die horribly agonizing deaths and then the pandemic arrived.  Days of isolation, un-measurable pain, suffering, and a worldwide death toll in the millions. 

    Where is the Good Shepherd in all of this?

    I learned that the bullies can win, with their lies and smear campaigns.  I learned that the structure put in place by well-meaning and intelligent individuals to bring justice can be manipulated and used as a weapon.  I learned that sometimes the truth is not believed while lies, gossip and posturing make the headlines.  

    Where is the Good Shepherd in all of this?

    I once sat with a cancer patient who reasoned that all her troubles happened during the split second that God blinked.  The idea that our Good Shepherd actually saw all these terrible things about to happen and did nothing to stop them was too much for her, so instead, she reasoned that God must sometimes blink and in that split second anything can happen.

    Well, I know the Good Shepherd.  I am convinced of God’s existence, I have experienced too much to deny God does exist and I know that there is a life beyond this life.  As a Chaplain, a minister and just a fellow sojourner on this earth I have seen, felt and experienced enough to know with certainty there is more then we can imagine.

    So, how does one reconcile the knowledge of the existence of the Good Shepherd with the occurrence of horribly cruel and destructive events?

    For me it melts down to what is written in Isaiah 55:8-9,

    “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
        neither are your ways my ways,”
    declares the Lord.
    As the heavens are higher than the earth,
        so are my ways higher than your ways
        and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

    Can a sheep ever possibly understand the ways of the Shepherd?  No. 

    Can we ever possibly understand the ways of God?  No.

    That is why knowing the Shepherd makes all the difference.  To trust in God’s plan, to lean into God presence, to give all the pain, all the hurt, all the misunderstandings, all the times we cannot defend ourselves back to God and instead live in a childlike dependency, an innocent trust is, in my opinion, the only way we can travel this life without despair.  It is the only way we can be a kind, loving, and wise presence.  It is counter cultural to say, “Despite all the evidence, I trust in the Good Shepherd.”  This kind of faith and trust is a radical and life altering way to spend our days.

    It is the only way, I have found to inner peace and ironically, with this faith I have found a part of me open up  to experience God every day in small almost unnoticeable ways.  But before I could experience this presence I first had to give into trusting this Good Shepherd when trusting was the least logical thing to do.

    May the tests and trials of this life deepen your faith and bring you closer to the un-explainable love of the Good Shepherd.

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel