Meandering Moose

You’re the ONLY one!!

You’re the ONLY one!!

Considering your personality, talents, abilities, strengths, experiences, passions, spiritual gifts, plus our personal core values; what do you think might be your most important contribution to your family, your neighbourhood, your town/city, Canada or the world in the next season? What did God put us here on the earth to accomplish. Of course it has to be something for His Kingdom purposes.

Consider Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.“

And Ephesians 2:10 says what we are created, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

As God has lead me from place to place and camp to camp, a year working for Canadian Pacific, a time with Unitas Health and Safety and now Primerica. Each job and position building on the last one to accomplish His purposes.

We all need to be reminded that we have something important still to do for God. God is busy creating you into the tool he needs you to be for His Kingdom’s purpose and in His sovereign planning.

I like the idea that God has been planning my work. As I look back on what I have done I can clearly see how each job or situation or circumstance has been integral to the next task I was lead to do. I can see that the culmination of my skills is exactly what I needed for my role as director of Camp Widjiitiwin. Looking back it is much easier to see the plan. Looking forward requires faith. Rick Warren writes, “God’s plan for your life isn’t a map you see all at once, but a scroll unrolled a little at a time, requiring faith”.

Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps”.

Who sees what you see, feels what you feel, hears what you hear and has your perspective?
Who has your unique experiences, your talent, your abilities, your hurts, your passions, your personality, your character?
What will you do with all that you have received from God for the sake of His kingdom?

The things that make me different are the things that make me. A. A. Milne

You are the ONLY one who can be who you are, fulfill your destiny, accomplish your tasks that God has assigned you.

You Are Missing From Me

You are missing from me. Sometimes, I feel the words “I miss you” do not come close to expressing the pain that grief and loss brings. It’s forever and I can do nothing to change it.

The phrase is derived from the French phrase “Tu me manques,” meaning “you are missing from me” rather than “I miss you”.

“I miss you” is an active, standard English expression focusing on the speaker’s feelings of longing. “You are missing from me” shifts the focus to the person who is absent, implying they are a necessary, missing piece of the speaker’s life, often conveying deeper, more profound, or existential loneliness.

A key difference is that it becomes a passive voice. The focus shifts to the one who is not there. You are gone, and I am incomplete without you. Its about their absence.

Dad, you are missing from me.

Forever loved, forever missing, forever absent, forever remembered, forever cherished… forever…

Yellow Snow

Don’t eat yellow snow! No doubt we’ve all been told that when we were kids. If you haven’t, here’s your sign.

I never gave it much thought after I learned why. Until this winter that is… our dog pees outside (which is good). That’s not remarkable and its way better than in the house. Since, its winter here in Muskoka, he creates yellow snow. All over the driveway. Plus the brown bits.

And since I keep the driveway clear of snow. In fact, I have a pretty specific pattern I follow. And I use a snow blower to clear the snow. It throws the snow back and away from the driveway. Sometimes 30-40 feet away. Sometimes less. And some days when the wind blows I get showered in a fine mist of snow particles. So far, so good.

My pattern for sure takes me past and over the places that Harry has peed. Have you caught the drift of where I’m going yet? Right. When I go over a spot of yellow snow and it gets thrown into the air and lands away from me, no problem. BUT, what about when it blows back at me. THOSE are the moments I’m less than enthusiastic about. I assume you would be too.

He also leaves other “deposits” in the driveway. I don’t even want to think about what happens to those…

So moral of the story, don’t eat yellow snow! And try not to blow it around.

Holding the Door

Inside “holding the door” is the idea that we didn’t get to where we are on our own. There were many people who helped us on our life journey. In a BIG way, they held the door open for us as we grew up and developed becoming the person that we each are today.

Over the years I have had a number of mentors, each for a period of time or season in my life or for a specific area of work that I need some guidance in. I have also had the privilege to be a mentor to a lot of teens and young adults as well as some camp directors. Many times those relationships grow into friendships.

I had the opportunity to hold the door for many young campers and camp staff coming up through the camps I have been part of. I certainly don’t take it for granted that I got to have some influence in their lives. Every now and then, I get to hear from one of them about the impact I was able to have in their life. It is rewarding to be sure. It’s like getting to see behind the curtain in Oz.

AI gave me the following summary:

“Holding the door” is a metaphor for acknowledging that one’s success and current position are heavily influenced by the help, opportunities, and support of others. It is a philosophical concept that extends beyond simple etiquette to represent collective growth, gratitude, and a commitment to helping others succeed.

Key aspects of this concept include:

- Gratitude and Humility: Recognizing that you did not succeed in a vacuum and that others helped pave the way.
- Creating Opportunity: Actively opening doors (opportunities, access, understanding) for others, especially those not yet at the same level.
- Shared Responsibility: Acknowledging that we are all interconnected, and it is our responsibility to make space for others in our communities and workplaces.
- Mindfulness: Choosing kindness over impatience and taking time to support others in a rushed world.

This concept is often used to emphasize the importance of mentorship, inclusivity, and paying success forward.

Who held the door for you? Take some time to reflect on how they helped you. Consider reaching out to one or more of them to let them know the impact they had on your life.

Who are you currently holding the door for today? Who needs your encouragement? Who is looking for your encouragement? Who needs a mentor or coach? Are you ready to step in?

You may not see the reward, but it’s well worth your effort! I encourage you – hold the door!

Respect is earned… NOT

So often I have heard that respect has to be earned. I disagree. I taught my staff for years to give respect first. It can of course be lost with bad behaviour, poor work and a loss of trust. But if we offer respect first, how much better would our lives, our friends, our community and the world be?

You never know what someone is going through. You should respect them because it’s the right thing to do. Treating everyone with fundamental kindness, fairness, and decency feels good for everyone.

Respect, as defined by Dictionary.com, is:

a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others.
admire (someone or something) deeply, as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements.

In Romans 13:7 it states that respect is owed, not earned; “Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honour to whom honour is owed.”

1 Peter 2:17 “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”

Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”.

1 Corinthians 10:33 “even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.”

How about this instead? Respect is given, disrespect is earned.

How would your relationships change if you freely gave respect to others, as God does?

Standing Room Only

Tim McGraw has a song that I really like. It’s called, Standing Room Only. Part of the chorus says, “Start forgivin’ and start forgettin’, Be somebody that’s worth rememberin’, Live a life so when I die, There’s standing room only.”

What does a life worth remembering look like? It seems to me its a life of service to others, a life of forgiving, a life of leadership, a life of being an example, a life of living with intention, a life of leadership and influence, a life of building meaningful connections, and a life of leaving a positive impact on yourself and others; rippling through time. A life worth remembering is one where every day is filled with purpose, authenticity, and fulfillment.

As a Christian, we are called to live a life worthy of Christ. What should that look like? A life of being a faithful witness, be humble, gentle, be a living example, and patient. To live a life worthy of Christ involves embodying godly character through humility, gentleness, and patience, while also doing good deeds and living with integrity, to honor and please God. We need to practice the “one anothers” in the Bible. Doing good works as God has set for us to do. Pursue moral courage and integrity, live a life of high moral standing and courage,
speak truthfully and build others up. Seek to be more like Christ.

Standing Room Only Lyrics

I get so mad at things that don’t matter way too muchI let the way back when’s and my old friends scatter like they were dustI get to chasin’ that rainbow pot of gold right into the pourin’ rainWith nothin’ to show for it, standin’ there soakin’ wetLookin’ up shakin’ my fist as the thunder rollsNow and then on nights like this I catch a thunderbolt

I wanna live a life, live a lifeLike a dollar and the clock on the wall don’t own meShine a light, shine a lightLike mama’s front porch when I’m lost and lonelyStart forgivin’ and start forgettin’Be somebody that’s worth rememberin’Live a life so when I dieThere’s standing room only, standing room onlyStanding room only, standing room only

I wanna take my grudges and my old regrets, and let ’em goI wanna learn how to say a lot more yes and a lot less noGirl, I wanna dance and shout and love out loud, and come aliveDon’t wanna be the guy too cool to laugh and too scared to cry

Stop judging my life by my possessionsStart thinking ’bout how many headlights will be in my procession

I wanna live a life, live a lifeLike a dollar and the clock on the wall don’t own meShine a light, shine a lightLike mama’s front porch when I’m lost and lonelyStart forgivin’ and start forgettin’ (start forgettin’)Be somebody that’s worth rememberin’ (rememberin’)Live a life so when I dieThere’s standing room only, standing room onlyStanding room only, standing room only(Standing room only, standing room only)Standing room only, standing room onlyStanding room only, standing room only

Songwriters: Craig Wiseman / Patrick Murphy / Tommy Cecil

Standing Room Only lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc

Dad’s Candy Jar

My dad always loved candy. It’s not surprising since he was basically a big kid with a twinkle of mischief in his eye. He always had a big jar of candy in one of the filing cabinets in his office at work and at home.

I recall them being scotch mints. His grandkids remember it being jelly beans in the jar. Either way, it was good fun to “sneak” in and “get” some. One niece said even if you got “caught”, you were still rewarded with candy.

When I got my own office, I decided to use his idea as well. I have had rockets, M&Ms (which became too expensive) and I eventually settled on Scotch mints. One year I sent small jars like this to my summer leadership team at camp. For me, it’s always been about the scotch mints.

At the celebration gathering for my dad, we gave out small jars of scotch mints and jellybeans. Everyone liked them and more so because of the story that goes with them. The jars will serve as a reminder of my dad.

Grief Comes in Waves

Grief is not something I was familiar with. It has been some time since I lost a family member. My dad passed away the day I started writing this post. Naturally, I cried when I heard that my dad had passed away. Then I seemed okay, but I wasn’t. I knew I wasn’t. My dad will be greatly missed! He was a treasure to be sure.

That day and since, the grief came over me in waves. One minute I’m “fine”, then I have water running down my face or I’m sobbing uncontrollably. By “fine” I mean the Italian Job definition – “freaked out, insecure, neurotic and emotional”. That’s not usually like me. Although my girls and grandkids have brought out more emotions in me.

The grief waves are not all the same. Some waves are BIG and wash right over my head. Like being totally swamped and gasping for air. This was the initial reaction when I heard the news that my dad had passed. Even though it was expected, it hit me quite hard. Some waves are smaller and seem break at my knees. I had one like this in the middle of the night when I realized I’m now the oldest man in my family. Sometimes, I’m sitting quietly, minding my own business, and a tear slides down my cheek and lands on my shirt.

I’m going to add details of some of the waves as they wash over me.

Another time, someone gives me their condolences and my heart stops and my throat closes.
Singing an old hymn in church and picturing dad singing in the choir in Cooksville.
Watching a movie where a key character gives a memorial to his dad who had recently passed away.
The hymn at church this morning. I don’t plan to stop going.
When I needed to ask dad about someone in the family tree.
Watching a Hallmark movie of all things.
When I discovered a new family connection in Australia that I wanted to share with him.
More to come…

I did some reading online and here are some of the interesting things I discovered.

“Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.” Vicki Harrison

“As for grief, you’ll find it comes in waves. You never know what’s going to trigger the grief. It might be a song, a picture, a street intersection, the smell of a cup of coffee. It can be just about anything… and the wave comes crashing. But in between waves, there is life.”

From the LOSS foundation (https://thelossfoundation.org/grief-comes-in-waves/).

As for grief, you’ll find it comes in waves. When the ship is first wrecked, you’re drowning, with wreckage all around you. Everything floating around you reminds you of the beauty and the magnificence of the ship that was, and is no more. And all you can do is float. You find some piece of the wreckage and you hang on for a while. Maybe it’s some physical thing. Maybe it’s a happy memory or a photograph. Maybe it’s a person who is also floating. For a while, all you can do is float. Stay alive.

In the beginning, the waves are 100 feet tall and crash over you without mercy. They come 10 seconds apart and don’t even give you time to catch your breath. All you can do is hang on and float. After a while, maybe weeks, maybe months, you’ll find the waves are still 100 feet tall, but they come further apart. When they come, they still crash all over you and wipe you out. But in between, you can breathe, you can function. You never know what’s going to trigger the grief. It might be a song, a picture, a street intersection, the smell of a cup of coffee. It can be just about anything…and the wave comes crashing. But in between waves, there is life.

Somewhere down the line, and it’s different for everybody, you find that the waves are only 80 feet tall. Or 50 feet tall. And while they still come, they come further apart. You can see them coming. An anniversary, a birthday, or Christmas, or landing at O’Hare. You can see it coming, for the most part, and prepare yourself. And when it washes over you, you know that somehow you will, again, come out the other side. Soaking wet, sputtering, still hanging on to some tiny piece of the wreckage, but you’ll come out.

Take it from an old guy. The waves never stop coming, and somehow you don’t really want them to. But you learn that you’ll survive them. And other waves will come. And you’ll survive them too. If you’re lucky, you’ll have lots of scars from lots of loves. And lots of shipwrecks. Unknown

And so, I will press on. Taking comfort in my dad’s life being well lived and the hope that I may one day see him again in heaven.

and the stars…

We’ve been studying creation in the sermons at church in a new series in Genesis. Through the six days of creation so much is created each day and a number of things have struck me as new.

Genesis 1:14-19 says, And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.”

The sun and moon get a lot of the attention and detail and then almost as an afterthought Moses slips in, and the stars. It’s seems such a small mention of the stars in the creation story. And yet, the stars are incredible, amazing, astonishing, awe-inspiring, breathtaking, extraordinary, incredible, marvelous, sensational, spectacular, stunning, unbelievable and captivating to the point where we lie outside and look up and watch them. Looking up into the night sky on a clear night can be mesmerizing.

I follow NASA on Instagram. The pictures they post of the stars and space are astounding!! (I’ve used a couple in this blog). What the new space telescopes can now see is a game changer. To think that God created all those just for us to look at and discover.

Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands”. This is one of the clearest biblical statements that nature itself is meant to show the greatness of God. These words are in the present tense. That is, the heavens “are declaring,” and the sky “is proclaiming” the creative work of God. It’s a continual display. What we see in nature is meant to constantly show us that God exists and tell us how amazing a Creator He truly is.

What other “mentions” of stars are in the Bible? Here are a few…

The Star of Bethlehem was a sign that the Jewish Messiah had arrived. Numbers 24:17, Matthew 2:2
The Three Wise Men followed the star to find Jesus in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:2
God created the stars, and established them in their place. Isaiah 40:26
God gave each star a name. Psalms 147:4
God promised to multiply Abraham’s descendants as many as the stars in the sky. Genesis 15:5 & 22:17
He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them. Psalm 147:4
There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. 1 Corinthians 15:41
He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south. Job 9:9
You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. Nehemiah 9:6

Thinking about God’s promise to Abraham, he could only see what was visible to him in the night sky, but God knew all that was out there and truly understood the promise of what he was telling Abraham. The technology that allow is to see farther and father into the universe and beyond continues to amaze. And God put it all there for us to discover and lead us to Him. There is no much more to consider than… and the stars!

How do you see Jesus?

At this time of year (Christmas/late December), we are easily reminded of Jesus’ birth as a miracle birth to a virgin girl in Bethlehem. Nativity scenes are set up in many houses around the world. When we sing certain songs in church, I get a mental picture of Jesus as a baby in the manger or high and lifted up in heaven at the right hand of God the Father, or on the cross or teaching the crowds or in a boat on a turbulent sea.

As a baby in the manger in Bethlehem, Luke 2:1-7
As a young boy at home with his parents when the magi arrive bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matt 1:1-12
As a 12 year old boy at the temple after going up with his parents, but staying behind. When they found him days later he said, didn’t you know I would be in my father’s house? Luke 2:52 says, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man”. Luke 2:41-52
As a carpenter working in Joseph’s shop, starting as an apprentice and becoming a master of his craft.
When he was baptized in the Jordan river by John the Baptist
Being tempted by the devil in the desert, at the temple and on a very high mountain.
When he changed water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee
As a prophet teaching in the countryside, telling stories and parables to educate the masses about the kingdom of God
As a healer and miracle worker
As God who spoke to the world into existence
As a man on trial by Herod, and the Jewish elite of his day
As a beaten and bloody man hanging on a cross being crucified by the Jews and Romans for our sins
As a man being laid in a tomb borrowed from Joseph of Arimathea
As a man resurrected; meeting people in locked rooms, on the road to Emmaus, in large groups, eating on the seashore with his disciples
As the son of God being rising up into heaven at the ascension
As the risen lord sitting at the right hand of God
As the only source of grace and unmerited favour by which we can be saved and forgiven of our sins.

So, how do you see Jesus?