Being agreeable can sometimes be dangerous! In an attempt to keep life simple for ourselves we may be tempted to merely agree with someone who is expressing some bitterness or mistrust towards another. We nod our heads or say a word or two which pleases and justifies this person.
I had this happen recently, while sitting and waiting for an appointment the person next to me struck up a conversation. Their views on politics both locally and provincially differ from my own and their bitterness towards life was tangible but instead of trying to offer words of peace or gentleness I just nodded and went along with the conversation.
Later, as I reflected on that conversation I was disappointed in myself. It was a lost opportunity. Perhaps God placed this person, ever so briefly, in my path so I could offer words of peace, hope and joy; words that may have calmed his anxious mind and perhaps widened his view of gratitude. Perhaps simply by changing the conversation I could have softened his bitterness and aided him to remember that which makes him smile.
I made myself promise to remain on guard so that I not do this again but instead seek to be a “Bringer of Joy” or as Jesus calls it a “Peacemaker”. There is no other beatitude whose blessings is more radiant that that of the peacemaker-“they shall be called children of God.”
As we light the third Advent Candle, the pink Candle of Joy , may we do so with the commitment of being those who bring God’s joy to all we meet.
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.”
There is a new addition to my backyard garden, a sculpture of sorts. It isn’t pretty, kind awkward if truth be told but it has a most important purpose.
It all started mid-summer when I was startled early one morning to discover a neighbor sitting rather comfortably in my backyard. To be exact she was sitting proudly by the bird feeders looking rather pleased with herself. Without hesitation I opened the back gate and made it clear she wasn’t welcome, “Be gone!” I yelled while waving my arms.
She just looked me up and down then returned to studying the bird feeders.
Again, I said, louder than the first time, “I said be gone!” and to make my point clearer I stepped closer and clapped my hands. Again, she simply ignored me. So, I picked up the hose and with one squirt made my presence hard to ignore.
She ran just far enough to be beyond the spray of water, she wasn’t going to leave easily. I then found myself chasing her down the side of the house spraying the hose wildly. Anyone looking on must have wondered what I had for breakfast that morning. In hindsight, I am now certain I heard some snickering as I rounded the house and found this neighbor back under the bird feeders. I knew this meant war!
Thing is, only a week earlier I had caught my next-door neighbor doing the exact same thing and giggled at how silly she looked. Now, I knew the nature of her yelling, running and waving of her arms.
Within a couple of days this unwelcomed neighbor returned several times. One deterrent I discovered was putting on the sprinkler; this pleased the birds and kept this unwelcomed neighbor at a distance, but my water bill was climbing.
One afternoon while weeding the flower bed under our front window this neighbor happened along, I stood up offering no words of welcome. As she walked past another neighbor crossed my lawn saying, “Her name is Buttons and she has been the terror of the neighborhood all summer.”
Terror doesn’t even come close to describe Buttons! A couple of days earlier, upon hearing yells, I looked out my front window and witnessed a woman with a rather large dog on a leash; both were being chased by Buttons down the street.
Jesus said we are to love our neighbors as ourselves but Buttons wasn’t making it easy!
So, a couple of days ago when I discovered Buttons back under my bird feeders, I knew something different was required. Now don’t get me wrong, I love cats, but Buttons is like no cat I had ever met.
Do you know that cats are the number one killers of songbirds? Well, not on my watch! This time I grabbed the hose and didn’t try to scare Buttons, but instead planned on giving her a thorough soaking.
As she darted away, I kept close pursuit and soaked her backside good. Then I devised a plan. Remembering an unused metal shepherd’s hook plant hanger in the shed, I knew what to do.
I put this shepherd’s hook in the ground positioned strategically between all the bird feeders, which happens to be about the middle of the yard and hung the hose sprayer on it. Even with the hose off, just the sight of that sprayer is enough to keep Buttons away. I watched as she rounded the garage, spied the sprayer, sized up the situation and decided to turn tail.
It would seem Buttons and I have come to an understanding.
So, standing up in my back yard is a large metal shepherd’s hook with the garden hose and sprayer poised for battle. It looks rather ridiculous but as Lord Polonius said in Hamlet, “There is method in my madness!”
Later, as my husband came through the back door from work, he just looked at me, shook his head and said, “I am not even going to ask.”
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,
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!
Stain Glass Lens of the 21st Century 