Stain Glass Lens of the 21st Century

Category: spirituality

  • A Serious Heart Condition

    A Serious Heart Condition

    Bear had a heart condition.  The surgeons did all they could when he underwent heart surgery but it didn’t go as well as hoped.  Eventually, he made it home and for the last 8 years before his death he was aware that his heart wasn’t as strong as it used to be.  But that isn’t the heart condition I am referring to. 

    Bear had the kind of heart condition that made him phone his mother every Thursday evening just because he knew how much she loved to hear his voice.

    He had the kind of heart condition that made him a strong but fair foreman at the local factory and the kind of guy you would want on your ball team or better yet, as your coach.

    This big, burly, and, tattoo covered man single handily raised a fine son; one who is now raising children of his own.  Bear became a single parent when his son was only two months old and gladly quit his motorcycle gang, bought a house and set up a home. That is the kind of heart condition Bear had.

    Bear liked to spend his summers over at The Country Camp Ground, a few miles out of town, where he became known as “the Pope of the Camp”!  He thoroughly enjoyed sitting in his lawn chair on the deck by his trailer and each passerby received a kind word or he had a joke ready to share.  He also had a listening ear and clear common sense advice for all who sought him out. Bear made time for everyone.

    As a minister I am privileged to preside at the funerals of many over the course of a year and I will never forget the funeral service for Bear.  The funeral home was filled beyond capacity with a spill over crowd in two separate rooms and the service being viewed via TV screens. 

    There were entire ball teams who arrived in their jerseys.  Bikers who arrived in leathers with the logo for “Saddle Tramps” pasted on their backs, and many others arrived who wiped tears from their faces as they viewed photos of Bear’s life.

    After the service one young man, about 15 years old, and his mother approached me.  This young man, wiping tears from his eyes said, “Bear was like a father to me.”  Then he went forward and laid his hands on the urn.  His mother turned to me and said, “My son was experiencing terrible bullying at school and I was at a loss of what to do.  About 3 years ago we came to the Country Camp for summer holidays and it was there we met Bear.  Bear took my son under his wings even keeping in touch with him over the school year.  He really did become like a father to my son.  I am indebted to Bear for how he helped my son.  We are already missing him deeply.”

    The Apostle Paul writes that we are to “outdo one another in showing love”(Romans 12:10).    Bear would have won that competition hands down! 

    He leaves behind a legacy of love and an example for us all to follow; the world sure could use a few more with Bear’s heart condition!

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    Photo by Tengyart, used with permission/Unsplash

    I would like to thank Sandy Lindsay for adding my weekly BLOG to the Saugeen Times, it has been a privilege.  On May 5th, 2021 I will discontinue my ministry at Port Elgin United Church and so, my BLOGs will no longer be appearing in the Saugeen Times.  These weekly writings will be appearing at https://stainglasslens.wordpress.com/ 

  • Backyard Concert

    Backyard Concert

    These “Stay at Home” days can be pretty quiet and even a bit boring at times, that is until we open ourselves to new experiences.  An unexpected “new” experience occurred just the other morning. I was waiting, ever so impatiently, for my morning coffee when I went to the back door to let the dog out and was awed by what I found.

    The morning sun was just starting to lighten the sky behind the tall bare trees. I stood in my slippered feet with the coffee percolating behind me as the wide-open door beckoned me to the fresh dawn.   As I stepped outside, I closed my eyes trying to count all the different songs echoing from the heights: one, was a robin the forbearer of warmer days. Two, was a chickadee who had visited all winter. Three, was the unmistakable low hum of the mourning dove. Four, was a cardinal, the same one who made a mess of the bird feeders this past winter. There was five and six both of which I did not know and seven, sounded somewhat like a cardinal but I wasn’t sure.

    Making the commitment to learn each of their songs I opened my eyes just as the rays of dawn were returning the colours to the earth and the melodies of my winged neighbors treated us all to an early morning concert.

    As I closed the door it occurred to me how very full my bare trees actually were on that cool and damp April morning.

    May you also be blessed by new experiences right in your own backyard!

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    The photo with this Blog was taken by Gilberto Dimpio used with permission/unsplash

  • When Less Is More

    When Less Is More

    Here we are again, another month-long lockdown in Ontario.  This time the lockdown looks different than the first two.  This time we have the vaccine rolling out across the province and even as the daily case count climbs, so does the daily count of vaccinations.

    So, even amidst the fears of the variants we can start to imagine a day when the new normal will arrive.  In the meantime, we must find ways to cope.

    One way to cope is by reminding ourselves not to fuss over things of which we have no control.  We cannot control when a lockdown is determined or for how long.  We can control our own response to this shut-down and the ever-present risk of contracting COVID-19 or one of it’s variants.

    It seems like a long journey in having to live with less.  We have less opportunities to go out and enjoy an evening on the town, less dining in restaurants, less movies in the theaters and less time with our loved ones. 

    However, there is also a lot more happening now as well. We have gained more appreciation for other things in life such as more dinners at home, more down time to watch the sunset and to listen to birdsong, and more awareness of the beauty and peace that can be found in our own backyards.  We have a lot more time to garden, clean out the closets and arrange our homes as we may have always wanted. More opportunity to bake, paint, sew or build that bookshelf.

    As the Daily Stoic Ryan Holiday writes, “When we do less, we get a double benefit. We cut out what is inessential, and we do what is essential much, much better. There are not a lot of redeeming qualities to a pandemic, but we should at least take this lesson from it. We are being taught what less looks like. We are being taught that less can actually be more.”

    May we all enjoy the more that has been brought into our lives during these “safe at home” days.

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    The photo with this Blog was taken by Etienne Girardet used with permission/Unsplash

  • Easter Memories

    Easter Memories

    The very first country church I served was an hour and 20-minute drive from my home which, on Easter Sunday meant I left home at 5:30 a.m. so to be on time for the 7:00 a.m. Sunrise Service.  The drive was one of my favorites all year with the morning mist rising out of the quiet fields and the soft choral music of CBC Radio playing in the background.

     We would gather in the church basement with the coffee percolating, tea brewing and a long table laden with Easter treats awaiting our return.   As the piper warmed up his bagpipes we would tighten the scarves around our necks, pull up our hoods and quietly follow  “Amazing Grace” across the road, through the cemetery and up the hill to where the statue of a soldier had been erected. 

    The cool air would warm enough to rise from our singing lips and the view of rolling country hills dotted by trees was the perfect view for this most sacred sun rise. 

    Years earlier, just after WWII, the congregation had started this Easter tradition.  It was started with the belief that Jesus’ resurrection meant all who had died would also rise some day, especially those young men lost to war. So, each Easter began with a sunrise service in the cemetery; a traditional celebration of the promise of resurrection bridging many generations.

    We would bring ourselves into worship with a prayer followed by fiddle and banjo accompanied hymns. One of the youth would read the resurrection scriptures, the minister would offer a short reflection and finally one last “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” chorus before following the piper back down to the church basement for warmed hot cross buns, homemade jam on a freshly baked tea bisque and a cup of strong coffee. 

    This year, as we celebrate our second COVID Easter, may we all be warmed by fond memories while rejoicing that the resurrection cannot be stopped even by a pandemic!

    May the power of Christ’s resurrection and the promise and hope of Easter go with us into the days ahead.  May we sing, pray, live, love, act and serve all for the glory of God. 

    May everyone have a joyous Easter, 

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    Photo by Hugo Fergusson used with permission/ Unsplash

  • Whispers of God

    Whispers of God

    There is a little creek that runs along my neighborhood. If you are not careful you may drive right by and never notice the life which surrounds this little bending trail of water.  Usually in February it disappears under the layers and layers of snow and I have seen it dry up almost completely in mid-summer but, at times I have witnessed wondrous things by this creek. 

    Often in early summer there are huge turtles that come up from this creek and dig nests for their eggs along the roadside.  One spring evening I slowed my van to a crawl so to take in the beauty of a mother deer and its fawn as they gracefully bent their heads to drink from this creek. And then there are the wildflowers that grow along its banks; colouring the tall grasses with yellow, white and vibrant blue.  

    This week, due to a mild spell, not only did the creek break free from all the snow but it bubbled joyfully over the rocks, tree roots and even broke free from the banks that held it. What a wonderful sight and sound!

    As I stood admiring it’s tenacity to continue to strive despite all kinds of weather it made me think of the Lenten journey we are now completing.  This journey is a time of inner reflection; a time of “spring cleaning” our souls by asking such questions as “What has been tripping me up from fully experiencing God’s presence in my life?” 

    Lent is a season of tough questions, a journey of self-examination that if done honestly will improve our relationship with God and with ourselves; a deliberate movement into the deeper presence of God.

    As I stood admiring the creek the words of Jesus echoed, “Unbind him and set him free.”  Of course, Jesus was speaking of Lazarus, who had been dead but thanks to Jesus was now alive.  Words I believe are being spoken to us today. 

    What binds me to the world in such a way it prevents me from fully experiencing God’s grace? What prevents me from being fully alive?

    As Rev. Dr. Karoline M. Lewis‘, author, educator and preacher, writes, “What does grace upon grace sound like? It sounds like when you are deader than dead and you hear your name being called, by the shepherd who knows you and loves you, and you are then able to walk out of that tomb unbound to rest in the bosom of Jesus.”

    During this coming Holy Week may we all quiet the world long enough so we too hear our names being called. 

    Blessings on your Holy Week,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    The Photo with this Blog was taken by Maddox Howe used with permission/Unsplash

  • Safely Held

    Safely Held

    Our 20 year old cat has gone blind.  She has thinned down to a shell of what she used to be and her once beautiful blond mid-length fur is now somewhat tattered and knotted despite our best efforts.  She has eyes that we suspect sees only shapes and shades.  She maneuvers around our house out of memory and familiarity.  When we approach her, she leans in to smell who it is before commencing with her signature purrrr.

    Early one morning she wandered the upstairs hallway meowing loudly enough to wake us all.  I left my bed to sooth her.  As I reached down to pick her up; without hesitation she began to purr and snuggled into my housecoat. 

    I sat in a hallway chair petting her tiny head and cradling her fragile body and I marveled at her trust; she could not see me but responded to my presence with a kind of certainty that humbled me.  It made me wonder when I have leaned unwaveringly into the presence of God as trustingly as my blind cat leaned into my touch.  When did I cry out in the midst of my darkness with confidence that God would reach down and lift me up? 

    Her trust highlighted my doubt.  Does God really care about the battles we face, the insecurities we try to hide and the fears that keep us up at night?  Does a God of the universe even know we exist?  Are our problems even worth God’s attention when the world is so full of tragedy and pain?

    As I sat there in the darkened hallway the answer came to me; ancient words repeated through time spoken by a God whose love is timeless, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9).

    God is always with us, waiting to offer comfort and hope. How often do we miss experiencing God’s presence because we are so preoccupied with our own thoughts?  May you take time during this Lenten Season to pause from all the hustle and bustle long enough to be assured of God’s loving companionship.

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    Photo by Chris Abney/Unsplash

  • Time to Flaneur

    Time to Flaneur

    Now that these warm and sunny days have arrived the time has come to flaneur about!  Have you ever flaneured?  Sure you have!

    In fact about the same time each weekday afternoon a group of us flaneur through Harrison Park in Owen Sound.  We don’t really know each other very well, meeting each afternoon with a nod, a smile and a “How are you doing today?”  Our dogs sniff at each other, wag their tales and then we flaneur on for another day!

    Flaneuring is a French word which originated in the nineteenth century and it referred to a well-to-do man, usually a Parisian, who would stroll through the streets leisurely observing his everyday surroundings finding beauty in the ordinary and the mundane. 

    Today flaneuring has become a deliberate habit of healthy living.  As Erika Owen writes in her book, The Art of Flaneuring, “ the objective of a flaneur is to enjoy the journey for what it is-to look outward and let what you see influence your inward thoughts, to be a part of the scenery while also taking a moment to deeply appreciate the environment that surrounds you.”

    Flaneuring is to wander with intention.  It isn’t a walk to the bank or to the post office; instead it is a deliberate time of just walking, breathing and taking in the scenery.

    This deliberate time of strolling is a time of renewal, refreshment and a time when the world becomes a source of great wonder!

    May we all take time during this Lenten Season to flaneur our way to awe!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    The photo with this Blog was taken by Annie Spratt used with permission/Unsplash

  • Spring Is Breaking In!

    Spring Is Breaking In!

    No matter how much the north wind blows, or the snow piles up, spring can’t be stopped!

    I see it in the flocks of returning birds, the lengthening of daylight, and the dripping of icicles. 

    The arrival of spring became especially clear this past Sunday while on a hike. Just as we rounded the path there stood a tall bush proudly donning pussy willows in bloom.  We had to stop and tarry awhile, snapping photos and admiring all that they represent.

    In these little gems I heard birds singing, felt the hint of a warm breeze, saw fresh laundry flapping on the cloths line and lace curtains dancing in the window.  Nothing says “spring” more then lace curtains dancing by an open window!

    March can be a discouraging month with one day warm and welcoming and the next full of wind and snow. I always imagine it is a tug- of- war between winter and spring, but spring wins every time!

    Just when we think colour may never return to the earth we find phlox, tulips, snow drops and hyacinths popping up over night! As Rev. Virgil Kraft writes, “Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world.” 

    May you find little gems of spring along the way; tokens of the beauty that lies ahead.

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    The photo with this Blog was taken by Carl Schlabach used with permission/Unsplash

  • Hidden Promises

    Hidden Promises

    In my neighbor’s yard there are 3 milkweed plants that stand tall and stately against the snow and winds of a Georgian Bay winter.  Months ago most of the pods released their feathery seeds with the autumn wind scattering them about, but there are two pods which remain tightly closed.

    These two-snow covered and wind battered pods have become a powerful symbol for me.  Most of us are arriving to this Lenten season a bit battered; COVID-19 having reigned large in our day to day living for nearly a year now.  I feel we need a new and more contextual symbol for such a time as this and the milkweed pod is the perfect symbol!

    Each snow-covered pod contains immeasurable and unimaginable potential; each packed full of God’s promises of new life, new beginnings and of a faith-filled optimism.  These pods represent God’s hidden promises.

    As the Apostle Paul writes, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1).

    Lent is the journey of newness for all of us; it is a time when we rejoice that God is a God of promises.  And these promises are not empty but full of the power that comes from the Christ who comes back to life in resurrection. During Lent, we can have confidence that Christ is bringing us with him into a new and wonderful beginning.

    As the hymn, In The Bulb There Is a Flower, proclaims:

    In the bulb that is a flower;

    in the seed, an apple tree;

    in cocoons, a hidden promise:

    butterflies will soon be free!

    In the cold and snow of winter

    there’s a spring that waits to be,

    unrevealed until its season,

    something God alone can see. (Natalie Sleeth)

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel  

  • Before We Rush Back…

    Before We Rush Back…

    Last week I went for a walk along the shoreline and was shocked by what I found!  Where, just a week prior, a tall tree had stood there now was just a gnawed off trunk and a pile of wood chips.  As I walked further similar destruction laid along the path; several trees downed, and gnawed trunks left in their place.

    I learned that Beavers do not hibernate and need to keep gnawing at wood to file down their ever-growing teeth.  Apparently, they stockpile sticks and bits of wood in case things become scarce over the winter months and they also become bored and simply gnaw down trees to keep busy. 

    This Beaver certainly had outdone himself, with at least 5 trees downed and plenty of sticks left to decay; it would seem he lived well into his reputation of being a “Busy Beaver”.

    It all reminded me of our recent lock-down.

    Since Boxing Day on December 26th, 2020 to February 16th, 2021 we have been in a State of Emergency in the province of Ontario with “Stay at Home” orders. 

    This was the longest winter in my life.  By the first of February, my home office felt half the size it did two months earlier- the walls just kept moving in closer and closer and closer!

    The morning of Tuesday, February 16th I felt like a sprinter at the starting line ready to leap into action, but God had different plans.  A terrific snowstorm arrived shutting down buses, closing roads and keeping us stuck at home for one more day.

    Much like that Beaver, I was ready to get out and be busy again.  I wanted to go to Winners, Michaels and the hair salon. There were pastoral visits needing my attention and I wanted to work out of the church office for the first time in weeks instead of my ever shrinking home office.

    Remembering the destruction the Beaver left behind because of his untamed need to be busy I paused to consider why I was so tempted to become busy again.  

    If we are not careful, we could jump back into bad habits for no other reason except to feel important, exhausting our finances, time and energy in the process.  Perhaps we should pause before jumping back in and ask ourselves some questions.

    Nothing could be easier than to live our lives totally immersed in our busy everyday activities with only the occasional thought of what it all really means.

    Lent arrives this week, a time when we are asked to once again make space for what is at the heart of our lives.  To look closely at what motivates our words and actions; to evaluate if we are truly living a Christ like life. 

    May we not rush back without reflecting on how we want to spend the moments of our days.

    Blessings, Rev. Heather McCarrel

    The Photo with this Blog was taken by Braedon McLeod used with permission/Unsplash