Life on - and off - the Hamster Wheel

With the warmth and sunshine we've been able to enjoy of late, there has been a chance to get the little ones outside to enjoy our fabulous park like setting that backs onto Collins Creek.  It's so easy to  get lost in the imaginary launching of boats that takes the form of twigs, pieces of bark and even apples thrown into the slow, lazy moving water.

These days it gets more swampy than not, but to a child and a 'wanna be' child just being in close proximity to water seems to calm the soul.  These are the times I vow to cherish and tuck away in the memory of my heart to gently pull out when things get more hectic than necessary.

This past Sunday we celebrated my son Matt's 31st birthday with weather as sunny and warm as the day he was born.  His friend Jaclyn and daughter Ella joined in the festivities.  Last year we started an  'accidental tradition' on Ella's second birthday.  Our family, not being big sweet eaters, have, on occasion totally forgotten the birthday cake.  In fact, on my 40th birthday, we found the cake in the garage the next morning.  Well, last year, with no cake having been baked or bought, a quick peak in the freezer revealed a box of ice cream sandwiches.

 Presto, instant ice cream cake!  Ella was thrilled, never questioning the substitute dessert.  Lucky for us, her mom Ashley loves to provide the fancy, themed birthday parties so we get to keep things much more casual.  Ella had great fun helping grandma 'prepare' the birthday cake by unwrapping it and sticking a single candle in the middle for effect.

The last couple of weeks have been more hectic than necessary.  During a lunch meeting in August, I allowed myself to be pulled into helping organize a really fun event that, in the end, and lots of praying for the weather, turned out just great.

 I've never done well on the day of such things as I constantly scan the activity to ensure everyone is having a good time.  In this case that wasn't necessary as I did what one should and that is surround yourself with highly competent people to stay on top of the details.  Well, one couldn't find a better group of volunteers than we had on this day. They know who they are and I can't thank them enough.

What I did learn though, is the unpredictability of my own physical energy level.  On Monday and Tuesday following, it was like I'd had every drop of steam wrung out and ended up lying around like a limp dish rag.  Fortunately for me, I was able to take the time to rest, regroup and reenergize.

 Everyone else involved of course, just had to go on with their regular hectic schedules and lives.

In my idle moments I've been pondering where I've been spending my time since being 'retired' and realize it's not exactly where I thought I might devote my attention.  While wearing out many pairs of shoes on the hamster wheel I often lamented not having the time to do some of the things I really wanted to do.  If only I had more free time, if only I could work part time, if only I could take a sabbatical - oh, if only, if only.  Well guess what?  Books continue to sit unread patiently waiting until I might get to them.

Craft projects with my name on them don't seem to come down off the shelf of their own accord.
The desk in the corner of the kitchen that used to drown in my collection of papers continues to remain half buried, unearthed a little more frequently but never quite pristine.

One can't help but wonder what that reveals about our true habits and desires.  Are we really doing in our daily lives what we'd like?  Are we unwittingly choosing activities that we are drawn to even if they happen to fall into the category of work, of our job?  Are we masquerading by moaning and groaning about the things we 'have to do' when in reality we enjoy the hum of the wheel.  If that is indeed the case, it might be time for those still running to pause and take a look at how they (you) are spending your time.  I used to say 'I love my job but I hate the work', meaning that those activities that energized me, brought joy into my life made me feel like I wasn't working at all.  Rather, I was using my God given gifts in furthering His work while here on earth.  The work part referred to those tasks that caused my brain to go sideways while I felt inept at trying to decipher computer programs, create reports and crunch numbers that were as imaginary as a mirage in the desert.

Last Thursday, the Foundation office held a retirement tea in my honour which was well attended by donors with whom I've had long standing dealings.  At such events it's so difficult to spend the time you'd like with each person.  I haven't tried to guess how many were 90+ and still going stronger than many of us.

 It's interesting to observe how the patterns of our lives change as we transition from one phase to the next.  As my trust and faith in God's plan for my life develops and grows ever deeper, I feel so much more at peace with whatever happens next.  I used to fret about people moving in and out of my life, feeling a loss as the natural rhythm of our existence moved back and forth like a gently  rolling tide.  Now I almost look forward with anticipation as to what is next and who I will be blessed with next to share experiences.

Over the past four weeks, I signed up for a Faith Development series at our Church on Tuesday evenings.  The concept is great for adult learning, starting with a video followed by small group discussion.  Can you imagine how inviting a series on the Seven Deadly Sins and the Seven Lively Virtues might be?

Well, there turned out to be between 40-50 people.  For this session, rather than assigning people to specific small groups for discussion, we remained at our tables in the main hall.

It's quite a revelation to tell you that the Holy Spirit put the best people at our table, ranging in age from twenty something to 83.  We had serious discussion reviewing and answering the suggested questions but mixed into it was humour, side splitting at times.  Who would have thought!  Okay, so now are you able to answer the question of what the sins and virtues are?  I'm not sure I could even after attending the session so here goes:

I was going to make it even easier for you by providing the definitions of the words I wasn't familiar with like 'avarice' and 'asceticism' but will leave it to you to google them if they piqued your interest.
A description I quite liked was that this list of sins pretty much outline the laundry list of dysfunctional behaviour that plagues most of us at one time or another in our lives.  Fortunately, the seven virtues are those that can help us rise above the pain and desolation caused by the sins which take the form of physical, emotional and spiritual challenges.

I'd like to leave you with a thought that might bend your mind like it did mine.  Some time ago, my brother in law Kirk, like many of you, suggested I write a book.  During another conversation he admitted he knew what it would be about, which intrigued me of course.  On pressing him further, he revealed that I should consider writing the story of the rest  of my life.

 Even now, I'm not sure what to do with that other than to let it roll around my brain like a few loose marbles - hey maybe that's been my problem lately!  Anyway, I will take leave for now and join back up with you in a couple of weeks when we see what the hand of God decides to write through my keyboard.  After all, I do invite the Holy Spirit before each post, to provide the message to share and I am graced to simply tap the keys in response.  

I wish you all a great start to the month of giving thanks, October and hope that you have an opportunity to get out and see the changing colours.  Even from just driving around town, this year seems to be flourishing in colour as the maples do their annual fashion show before undressing for the upcoming winter months.

Take care, God Bless and Hugs to All.......
Liz

p.s.   If even one person gains something from these posts, it's all been worthwhile.  If you've been touched and feel that someone else may benefit, please feel free to share. I'm often surprised by the number of people who ask permission to share these writings; please, feel free.

"Prayers wrapped in faith and sent with love are the greatest gifts we can receive".