Stain Glass Lens of the 21st Century

Category: Uncategorized

  • Lessons From Trees

    Lessons From Trees

    These cool evenings seem to have signaled the start of the yearly transition from deep shades of green to brilliant shades of red, yellow and orange. Once this week, during my daily walk, I stopped to admire one small maple tree that donned in equal measure leaves of red, yellow, orange and green; it looked so unreal I almost thought it a fake!  

    Later, as I stood on a rocky uphill path I paused and turned to admire the panoramic view.  I tried to decide which was the most beautiful.  Was it that splash of yellow to the right or the deep red of the lower lying foliage straight ahead or perhaps it was the random touches of orange that were appearing in many of the taller trees; which was the most alluring?   After much consideration, I decided they all were magnificent in their own unique way and together they added much to the view.   

    The scene reminded me of words written by Michael A Singer, “When you walk through a beautiful botanical garden, you feel open and light.  You feel love, you see beauty.  You don’t judge the shape and placement of every leaf.  The leaves are of all sizes and shapes…That’s what makes them beautiful.  What if you felt that way about people?  What if they were like the flowers, and however they happened to be seemed beautiful to you?” (Untethered Soul, 288)

    As I continued my walk, I decided to accept Singer’s challenge and to view every person like those magnificent autumn trees; each beautiful in their own way.  This may seem a simple task but as my week went along, I found a few instances where I had to pause and remind myself what the trees taught me; everyone is unique and exquisite in their own way. Besides, if we want others to accept us then we must be accepting of them.

    And, of course this also applies to each of us, we each are beautiful and unique masterpieces by the Greatest Artist of all artists so we must be easy on ourselves. 

    As you take in the array of autumn’s beauty be reminded that with the same awe that you look at those trees God looks upon each one of us.   

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    Photo by Chris Pagan, used with permission/Unsplash

  • That’s So 2020

    That’s So 2020

    The new neighbors moved in about a month ago filling our neighborhood with a new sound.  Each morning at about 7:00 a.m. they begin clucking like chickens and this continues for about 45 minutes, then silence until the next morning.

    The reason they cluck like chickens is because they are chickens!  Our new neighbors brought with them a chicken coop and so, for the first time in my 53 years of urban living, I have my breakfast to the soundtrack of chickens in my yard.  I am unclear why they cluck so loudly in the morning; I know nothing about chickens except that B-B-Q is my favorite!

    The chicken coop is located only 3 houses from the main thoroughfare of our town so each morning their clucking is mixed with the ordinary sounds of traffic, sirens, and distant church bells; the juxtaposition sums up 2020 perfectly.

    2020 will forever be the year when the extra-ordinary was blended abruptly with the ordinary. The year of working from home, carrying masks and hand sanitizer everywhere and the year the chickens began to cluck during my breakfast.  

    I now take comfort in their clucking; it has become familiar and homey. Even this morning I found myself smiling as their clucking filled my kitchen.  Similarly, there is a comfort I find in the wearing of masks and the use of hand sanitizer; I feel as though I am doing my part to end COVID-19 while also protecting myself and all those I love.

    As Albert Einstein wrote, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change” and certainly 2020 has been a test to both!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    The photo with today’s Blog was taken by Hannah Oliver and used with permission/Unsplash.

  • What Lies Ahead?

    What Lies Ahead?

    Flight school is now in session and each morning I wake to the loud calls of Canadian Geese as they practice their flight formations readying themselves for their autumn trip south.  These young geese have no idea what lies ahead but they instinctively begin to prepare for this new journey, stretching their wings wide and learning when to pull ahead and when to ride on the tide of those ahead of them.

    The same is true for all the lovely butterflies who emerged this summer; they too are preparing for a new journey.  They truly are great explorers who after one transformational journey into and back out of chrysalids now, only a matter of weeks later, take flight to warmer climates.

    And we too are setting off in parts unknown.  This COVID-19 has set the pace, once again, and we follow into autumn not exactly sure what we will find.  We wonder what will happen when schools open, when some churches resume in-person worship services and office workers return to their cubicles. 

    It has been an anxious time, thankfully, there are some who have settled into this unknown rather stoically and like the Canadian Geese or butterflies seem to instinctively enjoy the unexpected.

    One thing we can be sure of is that no matter where this new journey takes us, we will not travel alone.  God, the one who is known to do new things, is with us and if we relax into that presence there will be many joyful surprises along the way.

    So, let us with trust and faith do as the Psalmist directs, “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalm 100:2)

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    (Photo by Grace Reany; member of Port Elgin United Church and used with permission)

  • A Persistent Hope!

    A Persistent Hope!

    It started as a tiny, thin stem shooting up in the most unlikely of places- right between the patio stones and my driveway. I paused daily to cheer it on all the while thinking “It doesn’t have a chance to grow in such a place.”  But grow it did. In fact, it grew so tall it outgrew the side of our deck, and as I write it reaches up about 2.5 feet.

    And is it ever beautiful; full of lovely purple flowers! Google tells me its name is Harebell and it grows wild, which means it has the tenacity to root even in the most desolate places adding indescribable beauty.

    I have been calling her “Hope” for the past two weeks.  I asked my one son if he could snap a photo of Hope and he knew immediately what I meant (his photo is what I used for this Blog).

    Hope has a way of growing in the most difficult places such as discouraged hearts, downcast spirits, and pandemic fatigued souls.  These are not easy times; many are struggling with the endurance of living under the influence of COVID-19.  As I write it is the twentieth week of the pandemic in Grey and Bruce Counties with no end in sight.  I know I am feeling frustrated, bored, and restless.  There are moments I lament, “When will this all be behind us?”

    Then I commit myself to find signs of hope around me; I refuse to despair when God has filled creation with so much beauty.  I remind myself that this is but a part of the story, joy will return.

    The Psalmist knew this as well. Being honest about our discouragement is the best way to navigate ourselves back to hope, as Psalm 42 reminds us, the discouragement is only for a while:

    “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42: 5 & 11)

    Poet Christina Rossetti (1830-1894) also found hope in this same flower for she wrote, “Hope is like a Harebell…” and I add because it is determined to root and blossom into all its beauty despite everything.

    So, go and be a Harebell!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • The Rain Barrel Runneth Over

    The Rain Barrel Runneth Over

    Two weeks ago, the grass had turned a dull shade of yellow and made a crunching sound with every step. Water bans were placed on several cities forbidding lawns and flower beds to be watered.   We were not under a water ban as of yet, but in anticipation of its arrival I was tempted to fill my almost empty rain barrel with the water from the back yard hose.

    Thankfully, it didn’t come to such delinquent behavior!

    The rain arrived first with short “isolated” showers and eventually, within a few days, the sky burst open and torrential rain bounced off the hard and barren front lawn.

    We sat on our front porch debating if we should risk getting soaked so to spread grass seed on the brown spots that had formed.  We needn’t worry.  The perennial grass filled itself with the fresh warm rain returning to a lushness which seemed near impossible the day prior.

    The same can be said about the almost empty rain barrel; fresh summer water now spills over its top, nourishing the once wilted flowers by its side.

    Such is life. We go through some journeys that leave us dry and parched; convinced that we cannot possible carry on and all flourishing has passed.  Then, out of the blue something happens.  Sometimes it is as simple as a phone call from a friend, a card in the mail or an email that leaves us smiling and able to take the next step.

    God has promised we will not be left alone in such difficult times. If we hold onto our faith and trust in God’s presence our dried up souls will once again be filled with refreshing waters.

    As promised in the 23rd Psalm,  “My cup runneth over .  Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life;…” (Psalm 23:5-6)

    Join us this Sunday for a shortened summer worship service at Port Elgin United Church (virtually via YouTube, Facebook or our website) as we spend some time singing, reflecting and praying to our ever abiding Shepherd!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    Photo by Waldemar Brandt used with permission/Unsplashed

  • Enchanted Wonders!

    Enchanted Wonders!

    We went out to our backyard late in the evening on July 4th, lit up a campfire, set up the telescope, and after applying a few generous layers of bug repellent sat back to view the night sky.

    We had gathered to witness the lunar eclipse but were held in awe by so many other “hosts” on that enchanted evening.

    The full “Buck” moon graced the sky as it silently kept its course toward other horizons.  We slowly readjusted our chairs several times to keep a clear view hoping not to miss the moment that the sun and moon met but were distracted by the skilled aerodynamics of the bats.

    And, just as the light of the moon was dimmed by the treetops a few flickering lights appeared in the lilac bush.  A group of Fireflies had joined us and were putting on a most magical light show!

    The smell of the fire, the warmth of the summer air, the star-filled sky, the magnificent moon moving ever steadily toward an unseen sun, the antics of the bats, and the enchanted fireflies made for a most blessed evening.

    As I sat there savoring every bit of it the words of Psalm 8 came to mind,

    “When I consider your heavens,
    the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars,
    which you have set in place,
    what is humankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?”

    Like the Psalmist, I asked, ‘why would a Creator who has put so much detail into star-filled skies, full moons, and magical eclipses be mindful of me?’

    As the bats entertained and the Fireflies charmed I decided God created me to offer praise and worship in response to such beauty.  I suspect God is deeply praised by my wonder and awe. Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when he said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”  (Mat 18:3)

    As the author and Theologian G.K. Chesterton wrote,  “We are perishing for want of wonder, not for want of wonders.”

    May your summer be filled with childish awe at the sight of God’s countless wonders!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    The photo with this Blog was taken by Patrick Hendry

  • Resting Well

    Resting Well

    Through the vantage point of my second-floor office window, I have had the opportunity to observe squirrels during their mid-day naps!  As they lay on their tummies across the shaded branch one or two of their limbs hang carelessly down while their tiny faces are contently tucked against the nook of a branch. I found myself yawning as I watched and soon had to return to my work or I too would have been napping!

    One afternoon, without any notice, the poor napping squirrel rolled just a bit too far and fell off the tree limb!  As I ran down the stairs to rescue him my mind raced; what to do with an injured squirrel?  However, my concerns were unfounded as he was already running across the lawn and I watched as he scrambled back up the tree.

    It would seem resting takes a bit of practice and skill!

    I too have learned the value of resting well.  I haven’t fallen out of any trees but I have worked myself into exhaustion and even worse over the years.  I have learned the value of a good rest.

    For the past 4 months, we all have been striving to do our best against COVID-19.  I have learned new tricks such as washing all my groceries before bringing them into the house, how to enhance online worship, how to engage in over the phone pastoral visiting, how to ZOOM in for weekly Bible Study, Fellowship, meetings and support groups.  Now, it is time to rest.

    There is value in knowing when the striving needs to cease and rest is required.

    Even God, the mighty Creator, knew when to pause, “Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” (Genesis 2:3)

    This summer I will be taking three weeks of holidays, next week is one of those three and there will not be a Blog written.  I will return for a few weeks before taking two more weeks of vacation in August.

    May you all be blessed this summer to find a restful patch of shade in which to refuel!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    The photo with this Blog was taken by Zhana Kenny/Unsplash

     

  • My Tree Top Office

    My Tree Top Office

    My office has moved.  Four months ago, before COVID-19, it was in the church with shelves of books, chairs for visitors and green plants on the tables and window sills.  Now, my office is in my daughter’s old bedroom on the second floor of our tall old house.  The desk is pulled up tight to a large window overlooking my back yard, which is lined by huge ancient evergreens on one side and a perfect view of the sky on the other.

    What appeared at first to be a rather quiet and out of the way place has turned out to be quite the opposite!  The trees are a highway for the hyperactive red squirrels and the more playful black squirrels as they travel from yard to yard. One evening I observed a big sleepy raccoon clumsily climb down a tree trunk to the ground. I suspect the antics of the squirrels didn’t make for a good day’s rest (he hasn’t been back!).

    Then there are the birds! Oh my goodness I have lost count of the many different species that rest in these tall old limbs: doves, robins, sparrows, blue jays, woodpeckers, cardinals, starlings, grackles, chickadees, crows and the seasonal visitors such as the flock of yellow finches, wood thrushes and a wren family, just to name a few.

    My new office has a backdrop of birdsong, calming pine aromas, and the shuffle of squirrels, all of which waft in through the open window. This is the best office I have ever had!

    In The Lost Woods, Edwin Way Teal, the naturalist, writes, “If I were to choose the sights, the sounds, the fragrance I most would want to see and hear and smell-among all the delights of the open world-on a final day on earth, I think I would choose these: the clear, ethereal song of a white-throated sparrow singing at dawn; the smell of pine trees in the heat of noon; the lonely call of Canada geese; the sight of a dragon-fly glinting in the sunshine; the voice of a hermit thrush far in a darkening woods at evening; and-most spiritual and moving of sights-the white cathedral of a cumulus cloud floating serenely in the blue of the sky.” (published by Dodd, Mead)

    May this summer afford you the time to slow down and fully appreciate all your favorite sights, sounds and fragrances from God’s wondrous creation.

     

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • The Wave of the Wild Flowers

    The Wave of the Wild Flowers

    They seemed to have appeared overnight; tall bunches of wild daisies, blue chicory, and delicate yellow buttercups waving as though they had an important message.  I slowed and listened closely as they called me to bright mornings full of birdsong; shady afternoons under my old maple tree, and warm star gazing evenings.

    These roadside beauties heralded summer’s arrival as though nothing out of the ordinary has happened in the past few months!  Perhaps their unawares is part of their charm; reminding us that despite whatever befalls, summer still arrives.  They call us to clear our minds and settle ourselves to the melody of the summer breezes, the refreshing refrain of the babbling brooks, and the playful dance of the butterflies.

    This Saturday summer will slip in where spring once resided leaving behind all that spring 2020 held.  It will be a new beginning; an opportunity to calm down, rejuvenate, and gain some perspective.

    The wildflowers wave to remind us to get out the lawn chairs, load up on firewood, and find last year’s sandals; summer is almost here!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    The photo with this Blog was taken by Chris/Unsplash

  • God In the Chaos

    God In the Chaos

    It was a warm June afternoon; the week after school had ended so I was in an especially leisurely mood as I lay on my back looking up into the far-reaching branches of an ancient chestnut tree.  For as long as I could remember in my 9 years of living this old tree supplied plenty of shade over the summer and the best chestnuts conkers in the autumn.

    I stretched out my right arm and drew in one of the long dandelions that had gone to seed.  Holding this wispy plant inches above my face I began to look closely studying the tiny rows and rows of seeds.   Within seconds I was sitting up barely able to breathe at what I found in that dandelion.

    In the symmetry and beauty of a weed gone to seed I had met God, it was a life-altering moment.  From that moment on I have known without a doubt that there is a great Creator. No one then, or now, could convince me that the tiny and perfect design of a simple weed happened randomly.

    Since that moment I have been blessed to experience the wonder of God’s creation daily. It has been easy trusting in a God who creates order out of chaos, who has little ducklings follow their parents in a straight line, geese who fly south in a perfect V formation or who create snowflakes to be so darn beautiful.  There are God’s flowers, leaves, and the design of the human body that are awe-inspiring.

    But, now in the second half of life, I find myself seeking God where chaos seems to reign.  Where disease takes innocent lives, hatred is the accepted norm, and money is valued over human lives.

    It was in the midst of such chaos that I went for a walk.  With thoughts full of questions and prayers full of doubts I came across a field of dandelions that had gone to seed.  It didn’t take long for the 9-year-old in me to pause, smile, and decide to stay awhile.  I sat down and just enjoyed the beauty of that simple weed gone to seed.  Later, as I was getting up to leave the words of the Apostle Paul ran through my thoughts, “….faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrew 1:11).

    It is easy to find God in orderly neat situations but our faith must mature to also trust God in the worldly chaos that we reside.  As mature people of faith, we must not lose hope, instead, we trust even when we have no evidence of God’s presence.

    I arrived home with a fist full of dandelions that had gone to seed and peacefulness I hadn’t felt in weeks.   So, if all the news is getting you down, go out and find a dandelion that has gone to seed and take a close look at one of God’s masterpieces!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    The photo with this Blog is a photo I took in that field of dandelion.