Second Saturday - Day Ten

Discipline is Commitment
The hardest time to keep up the daily discipline is at the end of a long and tiring day at the end of a long and tiring week. In the first week of this Lenten blog I was surprised to see where the reflections took me - namely on a series of insights and learnings on the subject of discipline. I felt that this second week was a departure from the intent and mood of those first days. However, this evening when there is yet another replay of today's curling on television to watch, and I am drawn to return to reflection on the theme of week one.
What is the value in sticking to the promise you make to yourself with a Lenten discipline? Is it counter-productive to stick to the commitment when it is so tough to complete? Where is God in this?
Commitment is about trust. If you say you are going to do something it is important to follow through, even if it is only a commitment to yourself. Trust builds good relationships. Trust builds self-esteem.
Trust has come up a number of times this week in conversations and side conversations in a number of settings.
We've talked (especially at the 'Living the Faith' workshop on Friday) about the new reality in the generation that is now in its early twenties. Trust is placed in connections in networked groupings, in technology and the power of technology to allow people to connect. Trust is not placed in multi-national corporations or even as much in the company that employs you. Trust is personal and not corporate. Of course these are generalizations, but they do seem to be true in the particular.
Is trust a spiritual gift? What about mistrust or skepticism?
I think they are both spiritual gifts in their own time and place. We talk about trusting in God. That's a good thing. But we also value doubt - and the questioning that comes with it. In particular our denomination is one that places questioning as a vital aspect of the faithful journey.
In this entry I've traveled from commitment - the discipline of doing something because I promised myself I would do it - and the wondering whether that is something that is of God in this covenant to keep at it all during Lent - to trust, and finally to the importance of skepticism and questioning.
I think I just described one version of the Lenten journey - perhaps a fitting way to end this second week on this my journey.


Spirit River,
February 27, 2010

The Lenten journey might be long and narrow like this one on the island of Maui!

Second Friday - Day Nine

Lenten Blog - An opportunity to engage in theological reflection

One of the things I've come to realize is that a daily blog is something like a daily journal except that it is not at all private, especially with the possibility that anyone with internet access can read it. A second observation is that I am beginning to appreciate the opportunity to intentionally engage in theological reflection that comes with doing something on a regular basis like this. That particular insight is also the reason why I am a bit tardy with this evening's post. I've been attending a series of meetings this week, and they have all provided me the opportunity to engage with others in reflection about the church - and in particular the tension that is so clear between the exciting possibilities for transformation that I believe are happening all around us, and the struggles that the church is going through institutionally as the less desirous effects of this transformation are making themselves known. It was said most clearly this weekend when someone mentioned that church buildings used to be the greatest assets the church had, but now aging structures are proving to be a great liability. Of course this is only one example of a range of effects of the incredible shift that is happening in so many areas in our culture. And so this face to face opportunity to engage in stimulating conversation has meant that my new found desire to do theological reflection in this blog has been reduced. Add in an evening of watching the final minutes and replays of all the excitement and disappointments of this day at the Olympics and before I knew it, the day was gone. I hope you will all (whoever you are!) forgive me for not getting this posted until just before midnight Pacific time! 

Today a group of people in Grande Prairie participated in 'Living the Hope' - a workshop presented by Lesley Harrison and Graeme Burns from Emerging Spirit. Once again we were excited by some stimulating information and some thought provoking insights on just where the church may be headed and what we need to do about it. As I've found in past Emerging Spirit presentations the material is quite interesting. It alternately leaves me wondering how it could be possible to tap into some of the searching thirty and forty somethings that we are told are out there, and how I would deal with the incredible change that such a prospect would lead me to have to handle. As we all know, change can be both incredibly exciting and scary all at the same time. 

I was a little disappointed today when I noticed that the coffee cups we were using are disposable, but mollified somewhat when I had a chance to look at them more closely. The first thing that attracted my attention was the world map profile on one side of the cup. Intrigued I held it up and noticed that there was a certain 'green' message on the other side. It forms the subject for the photos today. You can make your own decision about how 'green' they are....

Spirit River

Friday, February 26, 2010

 

Is this paper cup a 'green one'?

Second Thursday - Day Eight

kd lang, The Olympics and Lent
I am en route Westjet 167 Edmonton to Grande Prairie pondering possible subjects for today's blog entry. I wasn't sure if the Olympics were going to make it into my Lenten discipline this year, but that question was answered a couple of days ago with 'Remember the Joy' - a mantra not only for success in sport and play but more generally for the faithful life. The Olympics came up again as I thought about the Globe and Mail article I was reading in the departure lounge. It told the story in its own way of last evening's hockey game between Team Russia and Team Canada and the importance of hockey to the Canadian psyche. As I am trained to do I was just now reflecting on the situation trying to discern where God can be found in such a closely watched, intensely important event even if it is only so for a small population of people relative to the world's population.
Of course it is a tricky question because many Canadians will likely have interpreted the 7-3 Canada win as being indicative of God having smiled on our team. However I doubt that God's presence had much to do with the outcome.
Another Globe and Mail article revealed what it could about the upcoming closing ceremonies and speculated whether there would be any change to the high-tech aspects in light of the Olympic cauldron hydraulic glitch that marred an otherwise spectacular opening ceremony. The article also speculated on who from the list of Canadian talents might perform at the ceremonies. That of course brought to mind the performers at the opening ceremony. One of the most spectacular contributions was what I consider the best rendition of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah ever done, namely the cover of it recorded on kd lang's nationalist musical tribute - 'Hymns of the 49th parallel'. kd lang is a national treasure and that song stirs me every time I hear it. However I did realise that her performance resulted in yet another glitch, namely that during Lent we are supposed to put away the Hallelujah's until Easter. I guess VANOC never thought of that one!

Technically, it's not a photograph, but 'tis an obvious choice. And it fits with the theme of my blog entry last week when I mused about Winter Trees and the Lenten temperament. 

Second Wednesday - Day Seven

Just say 'Yes' to Care of Creation

Probably not surprisingly a 'hot' question in many different circles is a debate over climate change. It came up in the St. Paul Presbytery meeting today and then as I drove back to Edmonton, there was a news item indicating that Maxime Bernier has once again launched himself into the public eye with his pronouncements about his doubt in the science of climate change.

I'm still convinced by the overwhelming majority of scientists who say there is no doubt about the fact that human activity is having an effect on rising world temperatures. But even if the science is wrong I don't understand what the problem is. Do people really think that we should be able to do whatever we want with the earth's resources? Do people really think that the oil and gas will last forever, or that it doesn't matter to what extent both financially and ecologically we go to get the heavy oil (as in oil sands) out of the ground? Come on people, even if our activity had no effect it still makes sense to treat the earth with respect, leave it better for succeeding generations and respond with gratitude to the gifts we have from God.

Edmonton,
Wednesday, February 24

 

 These not-quite-fledged eaglets are worth saving!

First Tuesday - Day Six

Remember the Joy
It hasn't been difficult to discern that the Winter Olympics have been sharing time with the Season of Lent. Of course the Olympics have generated lots of debate about the sport results, the television coverage, and the way the city of Vancouver and community of Whistler have hosted and responded to this international spectacle.
With host broadcasting responsibilities having moved from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to CTV and its sibling networks, my favourite network, CBC, the public network, has primarily been doing games coverage on the Radio One network.
As I drove to visit St. Paul Presbytery I heard a wonderful discussion about the value of play in our lives. It focused on 'play' as experienced by children and the right to play that is enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Right to Play is an organization heavily supported by Olympic athletes that provides opportunities for developing world children and adults to participate in organized sport.
All of that discussion was inspiring and interesting, but the part that was particularly hard for me to hear was the reminder to high caliber athletes to remember the fun they first had when they were first attracted to their particular sport. The coach or sports psychologist used 'Remember the Joy' as the key phrase to help the athlete relive the fun and joy of their sport and release some of the pressure that can hamper a performance.
I love that phrase 'Remember the Joy' and the sentiment behind it. What if we did the same in our community of faith? What would it do for our worship and mission if we 'Remembered the Joy' and celebrated joyfully who and what we are?
It's not just about fun, although fun is important - it's about remembering the joy that comes with fulfilling our mission as God's people.

Tuesday, February 23
Vermilion

'Remember the Joy'

First Monday - Day Five

'Let Go and Let God' vs 'Greet God and Get Going'
Yesterday as I was leaving my office after some hectic data gathering for the yearly filing of Statistics. I found myself reflecting on the tension between "getting things done" and "taking a break". Many times at church meetings I've heard people describe the freeing experience of "letting go and letting God". Such declarations are often met with head nods and other affirmations.

We get it. We recognise the importance of taking time, forsaking the "to-do" list and making time to be in touch with our spirits and The Spirit. However, just as often, or even more, I've heard the opposite at meetings - a lament on just how busy things are and just how long the "to-do" list has gotten. 

I think I was forced by The Spirit into this short but deep reverie. You see I had had three or so days of the second situation - the lament. Expectations, requirements and tasks had built up and despite attempts to deal with some in the previous week I was constantly and continually interrupted (and yes, the interruptions are also my work) by other things to do which at the very least spoiled the concentration I needed to complete some of the other things. Many of them were not my things, but work put upon me by other deadlines and responsibilities. Therein lies the tension. Often we are not the ones who will be disappointed or offended if we choose to take time away. As much as the affirmation and nodding heads understand the need, they won't be quite so obliging if the work I choose to put aside is going to hamper, hinder or otherwise disrupt other people's ability to accomplish things. 

And that's what led me to my Sunday afternoon reflection. I dearly wanted to take the afternoon and evening off, but there were people and groups of people wanting me to get some things done (many of whom would have no idea how busy my schedule was, nor would they know they were putting this pressure on me) to say nothing of my own desire not to disappoint them or miss deadlines. 

As it turned out, it seems that something in my overload control system must have kicked in because I went home, worked on some of the work I had to do and then completely forgot about an event I had committed to lead in the evening!

But then as if to lead me further into reflection I got up this morning, got ready (including an extra stop to pick up something I had forgotten in my previous day's haste) and arrived at the airport only to discover I had booked myself on the wrong flight. This has not been a stellar twelve hours as a self-esteem booster. Just to prove that things are not always in my control (or out of control!) my flight was delayed over two hours. Suddenly I had some "found" time. 

What to make of all of this? Sometimes things just click and we might imagine God smiling on us as we happily move from engagement to engagement and task to task, finding just the right resources to make our work go quickly, and just the right schedule so that things fit into place. Other times it seems we can't win for losing and the "best laid plans" as Robbie Burns opined, "gang aft a-gley". It is important for me to find the smile of God in both. Often, the train wreck days are the ones which bring the most joyous memories but only after they are all done and over, while the days that click provide much quicker feelings of accomplishment and efficiency.

I'm sure that my Sunday afternoon musing and the series of happenings which added reflection points to the process will not be the last time such thoughts pass through my brain. It seems a fitting, even if unexpected topic for a Monday morning in Lent. Chronos and Kairos - creative tension and helpful dialectic.

En route between Yellowknife and Edmonton,
Monday, February 22

 

Today's photo should be self-explanatory...

First Saturday - Day Four

Discipline is Worship and Worship is Discipline

It appears that this first week of Lenten blogging has ended up being a series of reflections on the subject of adopting a Lenten discipline. Yesterday the insight was that 'Discipline is Prayer'. Today, the insight as I wondered when I would have time to do this is that 'Discipline is Worship' and 'Worship is Discipline'.

Here is what I mean:

As I've said before this week, the point of taking on a Lenten discipline is to help us intentionally focus on our relationship with God - but when we do that we are drawn to remember and reflect on the ways that God has blessed and called us. So, 'Discipline is Worship'.

On the other side, the act of attending worship is therefore a discipline.

This has led to an interesting insight for me - namely that the act of attending worship in and of itself can be a good thing - regardless of what gets said, sung or prayed during that worship time.

I wonder if any of this will work it's way into tomorrow's reflection?

Yellowknife
Saturday, February 21

Ecumenical Easter Sunrise Worship in Jasper National Park (Pyramid Island)

First Friday - Day Three

Winter Trees on a sunny day...

Winter tree scenes often evoke an introspective mood in me - just the sort of mood one might expect to be in in the season of Lent. It is not depressing, or morose, or a "blueness" (although the hue might lead one to think that!); just a cool, deep, inner journey. You'll see why I chose this type of scene in the words that follow...

Discipline is Prayer: That's what I've discovered in the first three days of this Lenten journey.

And here are two more learnings from the first two days:

• Adding something can actually mean giving something up. 
• A discipline works because it focuses our minds and draws us into an inner conversation.

But what is an inner conversation if not prayer. And a lovely different kind of prayer - more of a conversation than a simple list of things we are thankful for and things we want to draw to God's attention (which of course has always mystified me - why does God need to be told about all the troubles - except that the immanent God, the 'divine' within us needs to be informed - so that our divine attention is focused on the things we would have God working on). No, this prayer is a conversation - speaking and listening.

This spiritual practice, this Lenten discipline has also been great as preparation for our Sunday evening learning and contemplating. Just three days worth and I'm already chomping at the bit to share what I've learned. I'm trying to imagine what it will be like when I've had thirty some days to add to the experience.

I'm still a bit anxious about what will happen next week when much of the time will be spent in meetings and travels. I'm anxious because I don't want to break the habit and I'm anxious because I'm already looking forward to the time I spend each day in doing this, and I don't want to miss out!

First Thursday - Day Two

On Discipline

I'm only into my second day and I can already see how the 'discipline' idea is starting to work. Because I've made this pledge to write something every day I am drawn to think about it, and because I think about it I am drawn to reflect on the purpose of a Lenten discipline. The point of course is to consider our relationship with God.

Yesterday I mentioned the irony of adding something to a busy life, but as I considered when and what I would write today I realized that the discipline of adding something amounts to the same as 'giving something up' because in order to add I have to take away from something else.

Yet another idea came to mind this afternoon during my walk home for lunch on another gorgeous day. Mild and bright it seemed more like a March day in Yellowknife than just past the middle of February. 

Anyway, I thought of another possible discipline - a pledge to do at least a half hour of reading from my current novel. I'm already a day behind and if I don't get busy this evening I'll be two days behind. However, even if it doesn't work out I can keep it in mind for Lent next year, or even as something to consider for another time altogether. After all a discipline is not just for Lent. In fact, all the reflection today caused me to consider those people who join a religious order and thus make discipline a part of their every day in every month and every year. I've never really understood that decision - or is it a calling? Until now...

Here's the story about today's photo. It was well into the evening before I was able to put finger to keyboard. So....no lovely photos of today's beautiful weather. Instead I looked around and found this lovely cross - a gift from a friend in Jasper - which reminded me of the sort of thing one might find on the wall of a member of a religious order - as alluded to above. I had to play around with the lighting - because the flash kept creating a reflection on the glass of the frame. I finally settled on this one without flash which created the warm, earthy tones that I think help with the theme of today's reflection (no pun intended!) (If you look carefully you can see the bead artist's signature in the corner)

Yellowknife

Thursday, February 18

Ash Wednesday - Day One

On Adding To Not Giving Up

Probably a decade ago I encountered the idea of adding something for Lent instead of giving something up. I was a member of Ecunet. A ministry colleague whose name has long since faded into the recesses of my fifty-plus recycle bin wrote a Haiku based on a reading from a daily lectionary. He would post the poem in a meeting on Ecunet. I was inspired and impressed by the idea, and right then realised that there can be just as much discipline in sticking to an accepted task as there is in giving something up. In fact, if the discipline, like his, includes a piece of writing or art, then not only is the life of the artist focused on the Lenten discipline, but it is also likely that others will be given the opportunity to learn something about themselves and their relationship with God, as long as there is a place for the work to be placed in public view.

Our household considered the idea of giving up meat for the season of Lent, but all of us, having had a few weeks to consider the idea realized how difficult that was going to be for us. Of course that's the whole idea, but it wasn't just the discipline we would have to have for our own meal preparations, but also the requirement that each of us would have in trying to avoid meat in meals cooked by others. All of us have either trips or special meals planned for some point in the season and it just looked like it was going to be extra difficult to stick to it. Of course, there will be some meatless dishes. It isn't that there was a certain appeal to the idea when we first considered it.

What to do?

But then I thought. What can I add for Lent?

I have admittedly struggled to find time and topic for this blog, at best being spurred on by the "every two month" deadling that comes to me for articles in "In Contact". What about a discipline of blogging every day during the season of Lent?

So here we go. Ash Wednesday - the first day of Lent and so far it is working! I'll take Sundays off - just like Lent does, and I still have those trips I referred to before, so it may take some creative use of technology to get it done, but this is going to be my Lenten discipline - 2010 - an entry every day in this blog.

It may seem crazy in a busy life to add something but I have faith that the beauty and power of this ancient tradition will work its own power for me.

And you'll get to hear about it! Let me know how you think it is going! 

I'm also going to to try to take a photo every day and add it along with my words. 

Today's view is the one I have from my office window, looking out on the downtown of Yellowknife on a mild (-11 deg c) winter day. It's the kind of day we don't usually get in Yellowknife - sunny and mild. Usually the brighter the day, the colder the temperature. 

Yellowknife,
Ash Wednesday, February 17