Stain Glass Lens of the 21st Century

Category: Gratitude

  • At The Going Down of the Sun and In The Morning…

    At The Going Down of the Sun and In The Morning…

    Photo by Ian Taylor/Unsplash

    I hope the weather is lousy this Thursday.  A bit of cold rain and a chilly breeze that cuts right through us would do just fine as we stand at the cenotaph shielding our faces from the cold, stamping our freezing feet against the hard ground, and rubbing our cold hands together. Then and only then, will we be in the proper stance for a Remembrance Day ceremony.

    There should be a certain level of unease at a Remembrance Day ceremony. It is a reminder of the tragic sacrifices made by those we are honouring.  We all are so tremendously blessed with comfort, luxury, and security, that we easily forget how deeply grateful we ought to be. We are indebted to those who bravely went into the unknown and fought against all that would take our freedom and comfort away: some returned silenced by the carnage they witnessed, others shared heroic tales, while many never returned.

    Even as we gather for Remembrance Day this Thursday, there will be those in other countries battling for everyone’s right to freedom.  They stand stoically before injustices and demonstrate sanctuary and strength for those who cannot fight for themselves.  Some have returned torn and deeply discouraged, and most struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) haunted by the loss of their friends who will never return; all are heroic in their selflessness.

    On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, may we stand in silence as an act of respect, gratitude, and pride of those who gave their all for each and every one of us.  To neglect one minute of your time is a deep disrespect and only minimizes you – not them.

    And when the trumpet sounds, may we turn our eyes skyward, thanking the great Creator for such brave souls.

    We will remember them,

    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