Gracenotes

I have been asked of friends not sharing my faith, “How can you believe in God?” My response tends to be “How could I not believe in God?” The communicative dance of the bumblebee, the mystery of migrating birds, the amazing functions of the human body works, all the intricacies in nature are they all ‘by mistake’? How can you not see intelligent design in world? It takes greater faith to not believe…

Scientists whether believers or not have a hard time explaining away intelligent design based purely on the ‘odds’ of a big accident. Nobel prize winning physicist George Smoot;

“There is no doubt that a parallel exists between the big bang as an event and the Christian notion of creation from nothing.”

“In order to make a universe as big and wonderful as it is, lasting as long as it is—we’re talking fifteen billion years and we’re talking huge distances here—in order for it to be that big, you have to make it perfectly. Otherwise, imperfections would mount up and the universe would either collapse on itself or fly apart, and so it’s actually quite a precise job. And I don’t know if you’ve had discussions with people about how critical it is that the density of the universe come out so close to the density that decides whether it’s going to keep expanding forever or collapse back, but we know it’s within one percent.”

“The big bang, the most cataclysmic event we can imagine, on closer inspection appears finely orchestrated.”

Christmas carols.. gathering with family and friends.. feeling God’s presence.. giving Him praise for His undeserved gift Jesus.. in a word experiencing love. The only distraction during the Christmas season is the hustle and bustle of crowded shopping malls, the perceived necessity of selecting meaningful gifts for family while not forgetting to tally up dollar amounts of the kids presents to justify ‘fair’ treatment. Yet among the chaos, time is set aside to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Kids Christmas concerts.. Christmas Caroling.. Candlelight services.. even shopping at times, all activities directed my attention to the Saviour’s birth, God’s true expression of love to a lost world.

One particular incident left a significant emotional impact. I had the opportunity to go caroling at one of the senior care homes, likely strategically sent to those who are near deaf given my singing ability or lack thereof. The others in my group laughed at my willingness and enthusiasm to offer hugs to the elderly women. I have always loved people, and knowing many in the facility were without family never hesitated to offer what little I have, a mediocre voice and loving embrace. Within a week of our visit one of the ladies passed away, and I was left wondering if I was the last one to show her God’s loving arms on earth. Love.. is there anything more important?

Another oddly comedic example is a gift I received for Christmas, a miner’s headlight. To see a large man roaming around a dark house sporting a miner’s light, potentially in his ‘bed attire’, for reading purposes is funny in itself. (for those who know me, maybe disturbing) I made the mistake of mentioning to my wife that I always wanted one as a kid. I guess she figured I had yet to grow up. In any event one lesson I learned is that walking with your eyes focused on the light was much better for the shins than attempting to rely on your own sense of direction in a darkened world. This wasn’t an epiphany by any means, you assume this to be common sense. But as I look around and see many stumbling around in the dark, lacking hope and direction, and most importantly lacking love I realize there is little ‘common’ about it. It is time to let your light shine..

I have been blessed in so many ways, wonderful wife, great family, and an evergrowing relationship with a loving God.

Be still and know that I am God..  (Psalm 46:10)  This is a familiar passage to many and often quoted to combat our hectic lifestyles.  Many take refuge in quiet solitude to be still and listen for God.  I have attempted this feat but often find it hard to escape the chores of everyday life.  Work obligations, church commitments, household chores, and spending time with family seems to consume 110% of my day to the point that come 10-11pm I sit in front of the TV, in a vegetative state to wind down and relax.  So how am I supposed to ‘be still’?

I believe society places great importance upon productivity.  Sitting around ‘being still’ often is interpreted as laziness, or a trait of those lacking discipline.  From this passage of scripture to “be still” is from the hebrew ‘raphah’ which literally translated means to ‘sink down ,to  relax, withdraw, to be quiet, to let go’.  Let’s have a look at the preceding verses..

Psalm 46

¹ God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
⁵ God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
⁶ Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
⁷ The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
⁸ Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.

Reflecting upon these passages I am reminded that bad things happen in this world, but we can take comfort in that God is sovereign and is in control of all things.  In doing so.. ‘relax’, ‘chill-out’ and ‘be still’ knowing that God will be exalted among the all nations, and all the earth.

So in a practical sense how does one ‘be still’?  For me it is enjoying a hobby which puts me among His creation and away from man-made distractions and other people. The birds, the trees, the gushing streams all speak to a supreme, artistic, and loving creator, and I can relax in knowing that He is in control of all things.

It is also explaining to my wife and family ‘why’ I am being still.  It may involve a 10-20 minute break from the day to day business of life, a pair of earplugs, and burying myself into a book, or simply relaxing and meditating upon God.

As the Psalmist writes.. ”Be still and know that I am God…”  Why not try and take a few minutes, quiet your heart and be still today.

Love Fredericton!! What is it?  The idea is to take a day in which God’s people from all the local churches show Christ’s love to their city.  I have been the recipient of free hot dogs and hamburgers and have assisted with car washes and such in previous years.  I have often wondered how loving it is to hand out free bottles of water, or perform a “rake and run”.  Do people appreciated such acts of kindness?  There is so little invested in people.  I believe forming relationships and coming along side those who need assistance says more as to who we are.  This year our church, Nashwaaksis Baptist Church, was involved in a project which I felt was very special and hopefully left a lasting impression.

We were able to assist residents within a low-income housing project to repair and paint fences as well as construct some new fences as the old ones had to come down as they were in a state of disrepair.  Many of us arrived that morning with little to offer in terms of carpentry skills, nor painting skills for that matter.  Yes the fences underwent minor repairs… Yes they were painted… Yes one building received new fencing by days end… Was that the point of the project, some would say yes but I would tend to disagree.

I had the opportunity to meet some really nice people.  Sitting and talking with one woman I was able to gain insight concerning the challenges of raising kids in the neighbourhood.  Teaching your kids right from wrong is one thing, but when they are subjected to daily pressures concerning sex and drugs it can certainly be trying.  Many of the young people lack hope for a better future, and as some would argue society has labelled them in a negative manner and they have assumed that ‘identity’.  A single mother of a 13 year old is a difficult situation at the best of times.  Pray for this family..

Hard working.. in speaking with one gentleman he told me his story.  His day starts early as he bikes for an hour to the rural outskirts of the city where he puts in a full day with a moving company.  After a long hard day he bikes home, an hour or more on the return trip.  I asked how he spent his evenings, most nights asleep on the couch.  For some work is hard to come by.. and the means to get to work difficult.. the work is hard physical labor.. and still they consider themselves fortunate.   Pray for this man and his family..

Another woman, a single mother with a daughter the same age as one of my own.  It has been a long road, but she has managed to advance in her employment to the point where she was able to purchase a car and get her drivers license.  Both feats some of us take for granted.  She works hard, and her daughter has learned to do the same.  Her daughter used to attend youth group at our church but hadn’t gone for some time.  It was nice to touch base, share stories and laugh about life.. it’s a hard road for everyone but much rockier for others.  Pray for this woman and her family..

Within these apartment complexes we had the opportunity to meet all the neighbourhood kids.  Actually.. I think every one of them joined in and ‘helped’ with the painting.  I’m not sure what was painted more the fences or the kids, but they were sure having a good time.  Other adults enjoyed the sunny day in their backyards, playing guitar, etc..  I believe some were skeptical of why we were there, but they were appreciative and receptive.

It was nice to come along side of these residents and assist with their project.  They took care of all the organizing, fundraising, etc.. we just showed up and took direction from those leading.  We had no special abilities other than making ourselves available.

What keeps us from loving and serving our community?  It’s easy to sit on the sidelines and make excuses.  But we have no special skills… Who needs skills, we didn’t.  But I don’t believe God wants me to do that… Yeah right, he doesn’t want you to serve and love others.  But I don’t have time… Personally I sit and watch TV at least a couple of hours a night, do you? Absolutely. But it might cost me something… Absolutely.  But it isn’t all about me… Absolutely.  A word of caution, if you ask for opportunities, God will provide them so be attentive and be prepared to act.

I look forward to the next phase of the project, and a continued relationship with those in our community.  Fences may have been built that day but I can say barriers were also torn down.

A week ago I had the opportunity to attend a gala dinner for “Bridges of Canada” and listen to Saskatoon MLA Serge LeClerc.  What an amazing story he had to tell.  Born to a single mother, a product of rape or mixed race, and in a state of poverty he was afforded little chance as his ‘identity’ was determined by the society in which he lived.

Growing up in abusive youth detention centers, and thrust into crime as a survival method he did just that survived.  Eventually he became Canada’s head of organized crime dealing in the drug trade, leader of several gangs, provided ‘protection’ for businesses, illegal brewing and sale of alcohol to local business, the list goes on an on.

His ‘luck’ eventually ran out and he was incarcerated for a series of his crimes.  While he was in jail, he met a chaplain who took the time to display Christ’s love which ultimately led him to Christ.  Years later, released from prison, his testimony has been shared all over Canada.  He received a full pardon and later became an MLA.  What a story…

His message was clear in that Christ loves all men and women equally, and there is nothing that separates you or I from those serving in our prison system, or born into an environment in which society labels a child which in turn becomes his/her assumed identity.  Love others regardless of their situation as one of God’s valued creations.

It was a compelling and heartfelt testimony which I will not soon forget.  I walked away changed by his words.  If you have the opportunity to listen to Serge speak I would encourage you to do so.