Stain Glass Lens of the 21st Century

Category: hopeful

  • 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 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

  • Is It The End or The Beginning of Something Exciting?

    Is It The End or The Beginning of Something Exciting?

    Photo by Sapan Patel/Unsplash

    Labour Day weekend is a hinge weekend; it starts in a summer frame of mind with thoughts of evening camp fires, afternoons spent at the beach and BBQ suppers.  By the time Sunday evening arrives our thoughts have turned towards autumn. Over this long weekend we move from the space of bright and sunny summer days into the space of cozy yet busy days of autumn, hence why it is called a hinge weekend.

    Change is in the air.   As the days shorten and the evenings grow longer the Canadian Geese practice their flight formations overhead, fields of soybeans are turning into their rich autumn colours and migrating birds are gathering on the hydro wires.  Teachers, school bus drivers and parents alike are strategizing the best ways possible to enter another COVID -19 school year.  Meanwhile, others are plotting changes to their home décor gladly planning for cooler evenings spent by the fireplace and the donning of favorite autumn sweaters.  For many it is time to turn over the vegetable garden and spend time pickling or freezing its produce.

    This change cannot be stopped so it may as well be enjoyed.  As Socrates wisely wrote, “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”  This new season guarantees to be full of God’s glory, beauty and joy if we decide to seek out all the newness and goodness being offered.

    May this new season be full of hidden joys waiting for your discovery,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel   

  • What’s Your Opinion?

    What’s Your Opinion?

    If pandemic living has taught us anything it is that we don’t always have control over what happens to us.  Between the lock downs, necessary public health protocols and workplace restrictions we haven’t had a lot of control in our lives and nor has our opinion on these matters been requested.  

    However, in Canada on Sunday August 15th, 2021 that changed.  Our opinion was sought in a big way to help make a most important decision. We don’t have a lot of time but there is enough time to develop an informed opinion on who we each think should lead this country.  The deadline is September 20th, 2021 when finally we all will have the opportunity to make a difference.

    To choose not to vote is to choose to give up on the future of this country.  As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

    So, what is your opinion?  Who do you think should lead this country out of the pandemic and into a bright new future?  Your opinion has been sought because it matters!  Take time to prepare yourself for an informed decision on Monday, September 20th.

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    Photo by Jennifer Griffin/Unsplash

  • 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

  • Each Day Is a Holy Place

    Each Day Is a Holy Place

    Photo by Patrick Schatz/Unsplash

    Summer 2021 is half over!  Sure, we could soothe ourselves by saying summer is until September 21st, but we all know the truth: Labour Day Weekend is the end of summer.

    Walmart is filling the shelves with notebooks, binders and markers.  Both teachers and parents are listening closely to hear the Ford government’s back to school plan, while pumpkin spice candles and autumn wreaths are beginning to fill the Dollar Stores.

    If only we could slow down time long enough to linger among the summer flowers, to enjoy the early morning birdsong, or even spend the evening star gazing. Is there enough time left for one more campfire, one more bike ride and one more day at the beach?

    We tend to fill our days with “to do lists” and commitments of all kinds. We rush about until, before we know it, an entire month has passed. And before we catch up with ourselves, an entire season is left behind.

    Life wasn’t meant to be lived this way.

    Rev. Dr. John O’Donough was a Catholic Priest, writer and poet who, having met the love of his life, left the priesthood 21 years after his ordination.  Sadly, 8 years later, two days after his 52nd birthday and two months after the publication of his final work Benedictus: A Book of Blessings, O’Donohue died suddenly in his sleep on January 4th, 2008.

    He left behind beautiful writings that draw us nearer to the presence of God and offer a profound awareness of the Holy surrounding us each.  He writes that each day is a holy place. Today I would like to share part of this writing with hopes it will enhance your daily journey and encourage you to slow down and savor each day that you have been given.

    We seldom notice how each day is a holy place

    Where the eucharist of the ordinary happens,

    Transforming our broken fragments

    Into an eternal continuity that keeps us.

    Somewhere in us a dignity presides

    That is more gracious than the smallness

    That fuels us with fear and force,

    A dignity that trusts the form a day takes.

    So at the end of this day, we give thanks

    For being betrothed to the unknown

    And for the secret work

    Through which the mind of the day

    And wisdom of the soul become one.

    (Excerpt from the blessing, ‘The Inner History of a Day,’ found in the book: To Bless the Space Between Us)

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    (Weekly Blogs can be found at https://stainglasslens.wordpress.com/)