The snow shovellin' life

The sanctuary building looked handsome after the snowfall last week. I paused to take a photo in appreciation. Our sanctuary has been here for a long time (since 1877), just ten years younger than Canada itself! For a long time, folks have gathered here to find steadiness in a fast-changing world, and to journey on the path of life with people who share common values, guided by a power greater than ourselves. Here we aspire to uphold the well-being of the community within and beyond these doors.

Maybe that's what being a community is about: doing our best to live on a path of care and balance for "me" and "we"

(Above: Cressy Glenora Church, January 2023. Photo by Aaron.) I've got some news to share about my own path... some very happy news! This week I was approved as "ready for ordination" by the United Church of Canada. This means that come May or June of this year, I will be ordained as a Minister, with a new title: Reverend Aaron. What does becoming an "ordained minister" mean? Well, as I went out to shovel the snow in front of my house... and the snow in front of my garage... and the snow in front of the church... I remembered an old story in the bible about a scruffy rebel named John living out on the edge of town. He wasn't shovelling snow, but he was also making a clear path. The authorities visited him one day and asked, "Hey! Who are you? And what are you doing here?!" He replied something like, "I am the voice of one calling out in the wilderness, "Make a clear and level path for God to travel." It was then that I realized, that is my job too. Being a minister is about doing my best to clear some of the paths where our human reality may travel and meet with the Holy Mystery that is Wholly Love. So, as long as the snow keeps falling, I will keep shovellin' a path! Here's a funny country song all about a Canadian guy who loves shovelling snow too. I hope you like it :) VIDEO: "A Snow-Shovellin' Man" by Bob King So, folks, let's keep our paths clear for kindness! P.S. If you are a guy (or gal) who plows snow for a living -- THANK YOU for keeping our roads and x-roads clear! We appreciate you!! Blessings to you all, From, your student minister, Aaron