Sunday, March 13, 2016

The Tree of Life

Since I’ve retired, I start most mornings sitting in my living room, sipping coffee, taking in the peacefulness of the day. It’s a refuge of sorts, where I can relax and let my mind wander.

On one particular day, recently, I became fixated by an old cherry tree, which sits outside my living room’s picture window. I thought about how it had survived the many intense storms and diseases over the years, and how, because of its deep roots and my husband’s intervention, it still stands healthy and strong (at its core).

Right now—during the winter months—the cherry tree doesn’t have the lush greenery hiding its imperfections, leaving us with a lifeless and barren impression. Yet, there’s still a mysterious beauty about it, because in reality, it may be leafless, but it isn't lifeless. It’s patiently waiting for spring, so it can burst forth into bloom again. 

It reminds me of times when I felt spiritually dormant, when I felt weighed down by the burden of an imperfect world.

Before I accepted the redemptive nature of God’s grace, there was hollowness in my spirit. I had built up so much inner turmoil, from a barrage of unexpected circumstances, my spirit was, basically, on life support. I felt unworthy, unloved, and far away from God.

But looking back over my life, I can see where God's hand of intervention not only had reached in to help endure the brokenness, but also the times where His pruning had helped shed the lifeless things to give energy to the new. And although I still fall dormant from time to time, my faith doesn’t allow me to linger there.

If we live long enough, we will all pass through wintery, barren seasons. And some will be much harsher than others. Perhaps you are passing through one of those seasons right now. If so, please don’t lose hope. Keep your roots deeply planted in the soil of God’s love. And even though you may be forever changed by this season you find yourself in, there will come a time of blooming again. You will survive this storm that life has blown your way, bringing with it the restoration of new life and new hope. Because—even in incidences where the darkness has masked the comprehension of His presence—God will never forsake us.

With Easter comes the onset of spring. It’s a season of new life, both spiritually and in nature.

The cherry tree analogy shows us the awakening of a tree, of how, each spring, it goes from a barren season of fruitlessness into a blooming and fruit-bearing one. It’s a beautiful transformation shown to us by God, through nature, that even though the tree was leafless; it wasn’t lifeless.

For us as believers, Easter is a time where we enter into the season of Lent. It's a time where we are reminded that Christ transformed the cross, from a symbol of death into the tree of life, and through His transformation, we celebrate an awakening of the soul; a time of reassurance that, upon His return, there will be a season of continuous blooming.


Friday, November 13, 2015

The Gift of Time

The Christmas holidays are fast approaching. For many of us, this means an enchanting season filled with yuletide shopping, colourful-house decorations, and get-togethers with family and friends; a time to revisit and enjoy those long-held traditions.

But for others, especially amongst the elderly in our community, the hustle and bustle of the holidays can be a lonely and mournful time, leaving them feeling forgotten and susceptible to the “holiday blues,” which can trigger the grief of their losses, such as the loss of a loved one or good health or the heartache associated with losing their own home as well as their own Christmas traditions.

In my 25 years' experience working with the elderly, I had seen, many times, the sparkle in their eyes that implied a past life of freedom and agility. One such experience took place at the Sears Annual Seniors Event, a heart-warming experience that brought family and friends together before the holiday rush, an entertaining night out in the lives of our elderly, who might have otherwise felt forgotten, if it wasn’t made possible by the many dedicated volunteers. 

This event would kick off with a little shopping, stopping along the way for some yummy holiday treats and a chit-chat, followed by the enjoyment of a local bands rendition of some well-known Christmas carols. As we joined in for a singalong, the magic began to happen. From the clapping of hands, to the stomping of feet, to the footloose and fancy-free dancing, for a couple of hours, the elderly were lost in their own little world. Maybe for some, it was a flash back to their youth, and, for others, maybe it was a time away from their loneliness. Whatever the case might have been, they were living in the moment, no doubt, and it was breathtaking to witness.

Sometimes we forget that behind an elderly face is a life well-lived. It's a life that has contributed much to our society; a life that desires love and affection; a life that, in many cases, has survived the war and the Great Depression as well as the heartache of having to outlive their child/children.

Let's put away our I-phones and become more mindful of our physical surroundings. Let's get back to more face-to-face interactions that our previous generations enjoyed. If possible, let's in the midst of all the hustle and bustle this year, find ways of enriching an elderly person’s life by giving them the gift of time. It costs nothing. It asks for nothing in return, only that we show up and be present with our presence. And who knows, if it hasn’t already, it may awaken a passion in you that extends well beyond the holiday season. 

Our time is precious to us, but if we spend a portion of it at the feet of our elderly, we well, most assuredly, find great wisdom there. 

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Being Grateful for the Now

Today is a gift and that’s why it’s called “the present.”

We spend so much of our lives seeking and longing for things that we forget to appreciate all it holds for us today. The past is the past. Our future hasn’t happen yet. The only thing we have control over is how we live our lives, right here, in the Now. 

When I read about the tragic death of Anna Whiston-Donaldson’s twelve year old son, Jack, four years ago, it saddened me to the core. His death not only sent me to my knees in desperate prayer for Anna and her family, but for my own, as well.

Our daughter, Heather, had come out gay a few years prior to hearing about Jack’s death. And life was really, really hard. Derick and I were distraught and gripped by feelings of confusion, (mostly, over religious views) and it had put a strain on our family, not to mention how it was damaging mine and Heather’s mother/daughter relationship. 

Anna's story of her dear, sweet Jack made Derick and I more appreciative for the Now. It forced us to look at our heart, bring together all that was close to us, and hold it closer. It helped to lift us from our own losses and difficulties, changing our perspective on things. After all, our daughter was still alive.  For the Donaldson’s, however, their world would only become darker. 

In the rawness of her grief, Anna poured her soul on paper, bringing forth her book Rare Bird, which was published last year, and became a New York Times best seller. 

I have read Rare Bird. It’s not a scary book about death. Anna openly wrote about the loss of her son, how her family found their way out of the darkness of grief, and back into the light of living; she openly wrote about how in the rawness of her devastating loss, her faith and love for God was tested, but found the strength to hang on. Anna’s words will bring you to tears, but they will also make you smile, as you come to know Jack and his family. 

Rare Bird taught me a lot about life, grief, faith, and trusting God in the storms. It taught me that the past holds both fond memories and sorrow, and that God purposely designed us to not know our future, but it’s living in the present that truly forges our path to this future. It taught me that when we show up and be present with our presence, whether it’s with a smile, a hug, or a listening ear, we are a channel of light, love, and compassion for others. But more important, it taught me to cherish what I have in the Now. 

Jack would of been sixteen today. He is deeply missed by his family and friends. And that will never, ever change. 

As for Anna, she continues to show up each day with her presence. Even through her grief, she is a beautiful channel of light, love, and compassion for others. 

You can read more about Anna’s story on her blog at Inch of Gray. She is also on Facebook.

Friday, September 11, 2015

The Fullness of the Empty Lot

My inset into our church's Roots and Wings Newsletter for Oct. 

I grew up in the sixties and seventies, in a small, secluded town, along the coast of St. Albans, Newfoundland. The bright, blue, two-story home that I once lived in with my eight sisters and five brothers have since been demolished. Today, the lot sits empty and overgrown. All that’s left is a collection of memories.

When Mom died back in 1987, I emotionally disconnected from my hometown. Dad had gone to live with my sister, Margaret, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and except for the few times that my sisters and I had taken him home for a visit, I opted to stay away. During those years, I held onto the memory of my own families’ last visit with Mom, which took place one month prior to her death, remembering how she glowed when she danced with our daughter, Heather, and held our son, Patrick, for the first time. I may not understand all of God’s ways, but I believe, without a doubt, He gave me that time with Mom for a reason. It's a memory that I will always cherish; a moment in time where we not only bonded as mother/daughter but also as two loving mothers.

Over the last few years, I often find myself reminiscing and writing about my childhood, thinking about the hardships our large family of fourteen had to endured, even though, in some ways, life was much simpler back then. We had the freedom to explore, take on new adventures, and allow our imaginations to run wild. During the summer months, time was of no essence. It wasn't uncommon for my younger siblings and me to leave home in the morning, lunch in hand, with the stipulation that we return before dark. 

“Take care of the little ones, Joyce,” Mom would yell as we headed up the driveway.

 “I will, Mom,” I’d yell back.

Today, my siblings and I are orphans. Dad lost his fight to congestive heart failure three years ago, leaving the life that we had together with our parents no more than a memory. There are days when I feel the sadness and loneliness, associated with an orphan's grief, rising up on the inside of me. Then I sit down to write, because writing is a big part of my resurgence of thought. It sparks a magical inspiration in me; it’s the magic of a little girl who comes to life in a new light. And as I write and dig deeper into my memory bank, whatever I am met with along the way, whatever rises up in my body, soul, and mind, there in the midst, even amongst the tears, I find joy, I find laughter, I find happiness, as well as pain and regret. But most importantly, I find an incredible sense of peace; the true essence of my awareness; it’s an epiphany of sorts that love is not earned in this life, but freely given, with no strings attached.

And perhaps this peace comes from knowing that both of my parents are finally together again. Or perhaps it’s because I am fully aware that my childhood, empty lot don't represent an empty life, heart, or mind. What it represents is a part of my personal history; a glance back into the makings of my inner soul; a realization that good memories are to be cherished and the bad ones forgiven, if not forgotten; a realization that if we try to do our best for one another in this life, that gesture of love will move us forward. 

This fall season, the deciduous trees will once again shed their leaves, causing them to look bare and lifeless, only to burst forward in the springtime with new life again. My childhood, empty lot does the same for me. On the surface, it looks overgrown and empty, but in my imagination, I bring it back to life; a life filled with the hustle and bustle of belonging to a large family. And it's a memory that fills my heart with thankfulness.

During this fall season of Thanksgiving, are there things that you need to shed or look at in a new light? What are you most thankful for? 

Monday, April 20, 2015

My First Inset Into The Roots and Wings Newsletter


Roots and Wings is a newsletter that our church publishes 3-4 times a year. This newsletter is a way of keeping everyone informed about what goes on at Burns Presbyterian Church, especially those in our community that can no longer join us. It's also a way to share our life experiences with the congregation.

Derick and I have only been at our church for two years, and through the Roots and Wings newsletter, we were able to look inside the history as well as the life and work of the people at Burns.

In Dec, Rev. Charlotte asked me to consider writing an article for Roots and Wings, which was to be published around Easter. Upon much consideration and prayer, I casted my fear aside and humbly accepted. Below is my first public inset into this newsletter.

                                                      The Bread Maker  

My mother made bread daily growing up. Not only was it a stable for our diet, but the cheapest, practical way to feed our large family of fourteen. 

I am sure many of us can relate to fond memories of our mothers and grandmothers homemade bread. One of my favourite memories, as a child, was coming home from school to the house filled with the aroma of Mom’s fresh-baked bread. I would slump onto the couch, and eagerly await for her to slather a thick slice with molasses. It was mouth-watering to say the least.

At the age of ten, Mom taught me how to make bread. It was a wonderful bonding time, as she gladly took me under her wing to demonstrate the rhythm required in working and kneading the dough. And without a recipe, just a pinch of this and a sprinkle of that, she took a large pan of flour and transformed it into a big doughboy. I was in awe as I watched her soft hands, which never seemed to tire, knead and fold the dough to perfection.

When the process was completed, Mom gave the doughboy a big slap. “Why did you slap it?” I asked. “For good luck!”she replied with a smile. I could tell by the glint in her eye that she was proud I wanted to learn the art of bread making at such a young age. 

But just as we need bread to nourish our physical bodies, we also need Christ, the true bread of life, to nourish our souls. He is the antidote, the staple in our faith walk, and the Bread that holds us All together. With His gentle hands, He kneads and transforms the finest ingredients into our lives, making us unique individuals for His purpose. 

As we celebrate Christ’s Resurrection this Easter and the upcoming 180th Anniversary of Burns Presbyterian Church, we need to also remember the trail blazers, both past and present, because they were and are the bread markers for Christ. Without them, the message of the true bread of life would go stale, and His church would falter. 


Monday, September 22, 2014

A Memorable Mountain Climb

Derick and I were born and raised in Newfoundland, Canada. We now live in Ontario, where we have raised our two children.

When our children were young, we took several trips back to our homeland. We not only wanted them to see family that still resided there but to also witness the beauty of this vast, island province.

On this one particular visit our family, as well as my father and mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and her two children took a camping trip to Gros Morne Park. It's the largest and most spectacular National Park in eastern Canada. And the scenery is breathtaking. 

Upon arriving at our campsite, we couldn't help but notice this mountainous, panoramic view starring down at us. Over the years, we had heard a lot about the must-do trip up the mountain, and now, we were left wondering if we could take on this difficult challenge.

It would be no easy stroll. The mountain is 806 meters above sea level. And depending on your pace, the hike would be anywhere from 4-6 hours from the base of the mountain and back down again. Encountering climatic changes, such as dropping temperatures and gusting winds, would also be a factor. But after much pondering and researching, on a beautiful clear morning, with two lightly packed backpacks, good footwear, and proper clothing, my husband and I, our two children, as well as my sister-in-law and her two children set out to embark on, what we would come to know, as one of the most beautiful and difficult adventures of a lifetime.

The first stage of our journey consisted of a 4 km hike into the base of the mountain, which took approximately 45 minutes. At one point, my sister-in-law and I had reservations about the bigger challenge that lay ahead of us as this relentless, forested path, of treacherous hills and turns, left our pounding hearts racing as if we were competing in a marathon. But in the distance, the mountain view intrigued and inspired us to keep going.

Heading to the base of the mountain.
Me and Sis taking a rest.

The view from the base of the mountain.

When we arrived at the base of the mountain, we diligently filled our tummy's with food and water. Sitting on a bench and enjoying the much needed break, we could see a cluster of small ponds. And in the distance, we witnessed the slope of the mountain as well as some sheer rocks and jagged peaks.    Even though the above scene may not look rigorous or intimidating, it proved to be otherwise. We literally were crawling on our hands and knees, until we reached the summit. The sign at the fork in the path that said: “ DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE MOUNTAIN,” we soon came to discover the clear indication as to why. 

Cousins in awe of the snow.
Yes, snow in August!

Being young and resilient, the kids would rush ahead of us, but they were never allowed out of our sight. The mountain was known for its thick, grey fog, which appeared out of nowhere, so we wanted to make sure safety was in tack, and we followed the labelled, trail markers.

Photo shoot with the best guide in the world :)

Another rest break for Me and Sis.

With our painful, stretched calves, and feeling light headed from the pristine mountain air, Sis and I longed for rest stops, and a pick-me-up of beef jerky and water. Sitting on the rocks, with the cool breeze brushing against our face, we felt so refreshed. But we knew it had to be short-lived if we were to reach the summit, and arrive back to our campsite before dark

After two hours of sheer climbing, we would reach the summit. We were in awe!  It felt like we were on another planet. The view was breathtaking. The mountain was surprisingly flat with snow patches. The air was crisp, with some rain, wind, and fog. There were also grassy meadows of low, grown plants that grew bake-apples, which are known for their delicious jams and pies in Newfoundland.

Yes! We reached the summit!

Bake-apple

Before our descend down the mountain, we hung out and took pictures and had a much needed lunch and water break.  And we even had a snowball fight! 

The steep trail had us on a steady march for part of the climb down, so it was important everyone concentrated on the task at hand, and stayed within the guidelines, for safety. Again, the beauty was breathtaking. 

We stopped for a few minutes to admire a primitive campground, which was surrounded around a tiny lake, and used for overnight hikers. As we were admiring the view, out of nowhere, a mountain shower came upon us. It left us looking like a bunch of drown rats, and chilly, for the rest of the hike down.

The primitive campground.

Drown rats! Tired, cold, and hungry.

The mountain after our hike.

Before starting our 4km hike back to our vehicle, we took a much needed rest break. As we sat reminiscing about our mountain climb accomplishment, and Ma’s home cooked meal that awaited us back at the campsite, we decided to take one last look up at the mountain. And when we did, our mouths feel open. It had become encompassed with a thick, grey fog, which the mountain is well known for. We felt ever so grateful to be back down safely. 

I feel incredibly blessed for this memorable, family adventure. Our children still talk about it and hopes to return to the mountain one day. As for Derick and me, maybe in a helicopter! :)