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Of particular impact to me are those occasions when I‘ve written about a goal of personal improvement and you ask me how it‘s going. There‘s something about an entire city holding one accountable that keeps you on track. If you‘ve been a regular reader, you know that one of the over-arching goals of my life is to maintain a high level of growth in the area of gratitude. I increasingly want to be the kind of person who refuses to complain about little inconveniences, but who celebrates enthusiastically every little blessing possible. The path to become that kind of person involves a heightened awareness to blessings. It‘s amazing how easily I can walk right past a blessing without even seeing it, let alone celebrating it. In my effort to improve in this part of my life, I regularly make lists. I just call them “Blessing Lists” or “Grateful Lists.” Here‘s today‘s list: I am grateful for the tears in the eyes of Mike Babcock as he watched Team Canada celebrate winning the Gold. I remember a young Babcock coaching in the WHL with a fearful intensity. I sit behind the opposition bench and can hear and observe a lot. To see this soft side warmed my heart. I am astounded by figure skater Joannie Rochette. Her grace and strength under such trying circumstances left me speechless. I am equally grateful for a nation, for teammates and even opponents who embraced her with love and encouragement. I renewed my belief in human compassion. I don‘t have powerful enough words to describe the spectacular full moon I observed rising over the Kootenays as I drove to Spokane Sunday night. Upon my arrival I watched the closing Olympic ceremonies. While spectacular and well done, they made me realize that compared to God‘s handi-work, the very best human endeavors are laughable. Each Spring I am thankful for street sweepers and lawn rakers. There is something about seeing a city “freshen up” and clear away the crud that accumulates over winter that sparks hope that blossoms will come again. As a motorcyclist, I am particularly appreciative of street sweepers. Several times this year I experienced defining moments at a bedside in Hospice House. What a great place. To those who made it happen; those who work there; and especially to those who volunteer and show such compassion and dignity to folks in their ultimate defining moment, I am deeply, deeply grateful. I am thankful for black belt karate Sempais who patiently show me over and over (and over) again how to do things. The culture of a dojo where everyone at an advanced level takes personal interest in coaching their juniors is truly amazing. Oh, the wonders of technology. While on the road early this week I could not help but pause to celebrate this blessing. With one touch of a button I could communicate with my wife back in Kelowna, my daughter in China and my son in Oregon. I couldn‘t help compare this experience with my teenage years when my parents lived in Africa. It would regularly take six weeks to exchange information by mail. Finally, I am currently reading a brand new book by Steve Sherwood. He describes the Hebrew word “Shalom” as the blessing of “something more.” It‘s a wonderful roomy word with a great past and an even better future. I love the concept – and I wish you Shalom. I better stop my list and get to work. If you see me on the street, you have my full permission any time to ask me what I‘m grateful for today. I better have an answer. - Tim Schroeder is a pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in Kelowna and chaplain to the Kelowna Rockets and Kelowna fire department. His column appears each Sunday in eVent. Top of Page |
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September 9, 2010, 1:47 pm |