Stain Glass Lens of the 21st Century

Tag: environmental

  • What’s A Weed?

    What’s A Weed?

    Once I read that the best way to keep your lawn weed free was by keeping it thick with grass; by seeding regularly it keeps the lawn too thick for weeds to land, root and take over.

    So, I seeded my lawn yesterday.  There was no fertilizer or hours spent replenishing the soil before seeding. I simply walked the length and width of my yard with a hand held seeder releasing the seeds as evenly as I could. Once the seeds were down I then stomped around my yard pressing the seeds into the soil so they would stay put.  As I did so several neighbors drove by, honked their horns and waved, presumably mumbling, “What is she up to now?”

    Thing is, I actually like weeds!  To me there is nothing more beautiful than a lawn taken over by dandelions and I have a rule, if it is green it can grow on my lawn.  However, my neighbors feel differently.

    One summer a neighbor, who has an obvious green thumb, was discovered standing in the middle of my front lawn remorsefully looking around. I watched from my front window knowing it could not be good news.  Sure enough a plant by the name “Creeping Charlie” had taken root in my lawn and was now creeping over to his lawn.  I was handed a tub and instructed upon its use so to end Charlie’s travels.

    I handed it back courageously and said, “Charlie is welcome here!”  Apparently my neighbor isn’t as inclusive!  (I have a hard rule against chemical warfare)

    To be fair this neighbor’s yard and flower beds are so impressive his house has been on the “Tour of Gardens” and he spends many a summer evening giving ‘wanna be’ gardeners lessons.   My yard is “the vain of his existence” but, I would like to offer a re-framing.  Anyone can grow beautiful flowers in perfect conditions.  My yard is like the ultimate challenge; it proves what a pro he really is.  He should be thanking me!

    He is a good and kind neighbor and as Jesus so clearly instructed, the most important commandment is to love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Matthew 13:29-31)

    So for my neighbor’s sake I seeded my lawn yesterday.  As I marched up and down my front lawn I did so with a bit more gusto then required with hopes all would notice my efforts at keeping Charlie and the dandelions out!

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    Photo by Steven Cordes/Unsplash

  • To Touch The Wisdom of the Universe

    To Touch The Wisdom of the Universe

    Whenever life becomes overwhelming, I go outside and stand under my maple tree and lookup.  Whether it is day or night, sunshine or rain, I always gain courage by standing under my maple.

    I look past the tall trunk and through the upward reaching limbs and gaze at the timeless sky. Knowing that under this sky the human story has unfolded for generations, it has been the canopy of our existence as a species.

    That moon I see is the same moon that led the Israelites in their 40-year journey to the promised land.  The same sun that shone down on Jesus as he traveled from town to town, shines on us today.

    It isn’t enough to just stand under the maple, to gain the full extent of its grounding power one must lean on its trunk or run their hands along one of its limbs.  I know it must sound silly, but by holding onto a limb, even for a moment, is like holding the hand of an old, wise and calming presence in the universe.

    If you have never stood under an old stately tree and leaned into its soothing presence, then I highly recommend you do so, right now, no matter the time of day or the weather, just go and touch a bit of the grounding wisdom of the universe.

    Photo by Kevin Young/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

  • 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

  • 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

  • A Season For Everything

    We have been enjoying a rather balmy January along these southern shores of Georgian Bay and along the sandier shores of Lake Huron.  Balmy as in temperatures hovering around 0 to -7 degrees Celsius.  This is so warm for us that I saw a guy in shorts the other day!

    Abby, my canine sidekick, and I have been lingering longer on our daily walks listening to the gurgling of the unfrozen rivers, the dripping of icicles and the gathering of chatty birds.  It was all fun and games until Sunday afternoon. 

    On Sunday afternoon my enjoyment turned to concern when both my husband I noticed unseasonal buds forming on a tree along our pathway.  Upon closer investigation we noticed other trees along the trail were also beginning to wake early from what should be a long winter’s nap.

    As we pulled into our driveway, we were alarmed to notice the crocuses had already begun to grow and were at least an inch above ground (the photo with today’s Blog)!  This took us back 9 years ago when the fruit industry in Ontario and Quebec were devasted by a mild winter.  It was the apple orchards hit particularly hard because the buds formed way too early and by mid-March the blossoms started appearing and in April a terrific frost killed off an entire years’ worth of fruit.  

    As the Author of Ecclesiastes writes, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).  This is an ancient wisdom teaching us to trust in the rhythm of life.  There is a time for things to grow, a time to thrive, and a time to rest.  When we mess with that rhythm terrible things can happen.

    It is the same with people.  There is a time to be together and a time to let them go.  It isn’t wise to try to hold onto something or someone longer then the season allows, and it makes life a sad affair if we spend our time yearning for things that have yet to come or if their time has passed.

    As a Mother I have had to learn this the hard way.  As each of my children have grown and started lives of their own, I have had to let them go; out into a world I cannot control. To hold them here, safely at home, would have stunted their growth and they would have missed out on what God had in store for them.

    It takes trust in God to release those we love.  Knowing God goes with us wherever we go makes the parting easier and aids us to take the necessary steps in new directions.

    I have decided to trust God with the crocuses and apple trees promising not to complain when the north wind returns; understanding its chilly breezes renders the trees and flowers back to their necessary winter repose.

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • Spying On The Neighbors

    Spying On The Neighbors

    On December 26th, 2020 the Ontario government placed the entire Province of Ontario into a lockdown due to the pandemic.  There are few stores open, no recreation centres or gyms open and don’t even think about going to a movie theatre or a play.  We have been left to find our own COVID safe entertainment.  So, with binoculars in hand I stepped outside and began to watch my neighbors a little bit closer. 

    I have discovered neighbors I didn’t even know lived in my neighborhood and I have even snapped a photo or two without them knowing!

    It all began one rainy afternoon as I drove down the road.  There he was looking a bit miffed as he sat on top of a rather large fence post dripping wet.  I slowed so to get a better look and we held each other’s gaze for a second or two.  His cold eyes pierced right through me as I studied his plumage and decided with certainty that we had never met before.

    Later, with the help of Google Images I pinned down his lineage.  He was my first Rough-legged Hawk! 

    Two days later, while pumping gas I spotted a snowy owl on the light post and that very evening I stood transfixed listening to the deep hooting of what later was classified as a Great Horned Owl.  In the morning we were able to clearly see which tree he had spent the night; it is called “whitewashing” for a reason, all the way down one of the tall evergreens.

    Since then I have become enthralled with winter birdwatching.  I have now seen 3 Rough-legged Hawks, countless Red-tail Hawks (there is one who lives along the way between my house and the church.  Daily we nod to each other so I have named him Oscar!), a large flock of Redpolls, 2 more snowy owls, and two Emus (they were in a farmer’s yard but I decided to count them in my log book anyway)! And, the most magnificent of all neighbors, an Eagle!

    While walking along the shores of Georgian Bay I spied buffleheads, mallards and swans.  My birdfeeders have invited such neighbors as Juncos, Cardinals, Chickadees, Doves, Blue Jays, Woodpeckers, and Siskins.

    What has amazed me is how many impressive birds are right in my neck of the woods that I never noticed before.  It makes me wonder what else I am missing in all my hustle and bustle, what other beauty am I passing by.

    It has been a life changing lesson.  When this lock down is over I have promised myself not to pick up the pace so much that I forget to pause daily to glean God’s beauty.

    What beauty have you noticed recently?

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel    

  • Basking In Divine Light

    Basking In Divine Light

    Have you ever stood at the tipping point of the day?  It is a fleeting moment of stillness steeped in otherworldly peace.  One doesn’t go out seeking this moment with calculations, maps and directions. This moment is given as a gift from the Great Spirit; a gift to be held in our hearts as a reminder that God is always present.

    It was late in the afternoon when we headed off for a hike through familiar fields within view of the rocky escarpment and the soundtrack of the Sydenham River rushing past.  It had been an emotional week beginning with the death of my husband’s father. A week of funeral arrangements, phone calls, and uncomfortable decisions such as which 30 family and friends should be invited to the funeral (COVID-19 rules in our area allow for only 30 people to a funeral). We knew the next day would start early as we traveled from our peaceful spot on Georgian Bay into the hustle and bustle of the city so the idea of a quiet hike pleased us.

    As the trail led through an open field, up a slight incline and back toward the car my husband whispered, “Hey, look over there do you see the sun?”  To our right the round brilliant sun was setting beautifully silhouetted by a row of tall bare trees; its glow of orange and yellow hues was awe inspiring.  Then, as if tapped on our shoulders we both looked to our left and just as magnificently, a round full moon was rising over the rocky eastern horizon.  The sky held in equal measure both the sun and the moon; each full and round yet only half exposed by the horizons.

    We stood transfixed between the two. If I had stretched out my arms it would have appeared as though I was touching the sun with my outstretched right index finger and at the same time touching the moon with my outstretched left index finger.

    It seemed these two ancient globes paused long enough to gaze at one another; a moment of Godly symmetry aglow with divine light.

    May we all find moments this Advent Season to experience God’s unexpected miracles and may we all bask in God’s divine light.

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    The photo with this Blog I took at Sauble Beach on Lake Huron , Ontario one warm July evening.

  • Meshed Hope!

    Meshed Hope!

    One of the most hope filled actions is to plant spring bulbs on a cold, windy and wet autumn afternoon.  With dark clouds overhead and whispers from the approaching North wind I set out with spade in hand ready to plant 2 dozen tulips and 20 daffodil bulbs.

    Remembering the advice of one of my rural parishioners I didn’t use my bare hands but instead wore gloves caked with mud.   As I bent down by the flower bed there was a slight shake of the maple leaves in the tree behind me, I didn’t pay it any mind.  After the 3rd bulb was carefully placed in the soil a high pitch nattering began.  At first, I carried on and planted a couple more bulbs but soon the nattering changed to a more excited pitch and I turned to see what was causing the commotion.  That was when everything went quiet.  From where I knelt on the wet grass I could not pinpoint exactly where the racket had been coming from.

    So, back to planting I went and soon stood up proud of all that I had accomplished.  The newly planted bulbs were safely nestled under the rich dark soil.  All that was left for me to do was wait patiently for their spring debut.

    Or so I thought.  This naivety lasted only 2 hours!  By then my husband was home and as supper baked in the oven we went to look at the flowerbeds.  To my horror, I discovered only holes where each bulb and been laid.  The interesting thing was not all of the soil was dug up, just the spots that had held a bulb. 

    I turned to my husband and in awe said, “It’s as if someone watched me and knew the exact spot of each bulb.”  Then I remembered the high pitch nattering.  It must have been those squirrels yelling out to each other the exact location of each bulb, “Latitude: 44°34′01″ N, Longitude: 80°56′36″ W and Elevation above sea level: 180 m = 590 ft” or perhaps these cheeky little pests use GPS (I wouldn’t put anything past them).

    “Game on!’’ I muttered.  The next morning I returned home early from Home Hardware with heavy artillery.  A new bag of bulbs, heavy woven metal mesh and some tent pegs!  With much relish I planted each new bulb taking time to hold them up, admire their beauty and then carefully tuck them away for a deep winter’s sleep.

    Once completed and after cutting the mesh to the right dimensions I pegged it over all the innocent bulbs.  As I shook the dirt off my gloves a black squirrel in the maple tree caught my eye.  He had been watching me all the while.  

    Try as he may, he can’t take my hope of spring flowers away this time!

    The entire ordeal reminded me of the words of Anne Lamott, “Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come…. You don’t give up.”

    So, during these pandemic days may we all mesh in our hope so nothing in all the world can steal it from us until the dawn breaks and these COVID-19 days are behind us.

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    The Photo with today’s Blog was taken by Mayank Gaur, used with permission/Unsplash

    Top of Form

  • Thankful Joy!

    Thankful Joy!

    This week is Thanksgiving in Canada.  For us this usually means a long weekend full of family gatherings, fine foods and long walks under colourful canopies.

    But not this year.

    This year, a 2nd wave of COVID-19 has swept over us.  We are under a tidal wave of record-breaking case counts, unnecessary death losses and sturdy warnings to stay safe at home.  Only those who are in our “bubble” can dine around our Thanksgiving table.

    Thankfully, that hasn’t stopped God from blessing us with endless beauty that cleanses our souls and fills us with enough gratitude to last all year.

    The autumn colours have arrived and it is as though a spell has been cast, leaving us in a state of awe. The mystical beauty of autumn is causing traffic jams as folks, drawn in, leave their cars behind and step into the scenery.  I saw a photo yesterday of the highway through Algonquin Park, there were so many countless cars pulled over it forced the closure of the park!  

    Gladys Taber wrote of this luring of autumn in her book , Still Meadow Seasons, “I would be hard put to think of anything better on earth or in heaven than October…the world is lit with splendor, there are surely more colours than on any artist’s palette, and you can walk down the shining glory of the lanes breathing deep of an air that is cool wine to the lungs.” (153).

    May you decide to have a joyful and thankful Thanksgiving despite the COVID-19 restrictions and may God’s shining glory fill your days with awe and wonderment.

    Happy Thanksgiving,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel 

    The photo with this Blog was taken in Algonquin Park by Chelsea Lin, used with permission/Unsplash