I was at KMS Tools this week with Philip. I’m fascinated by the tools, some huge and powerful. The drill presses, the table saws, the dust collector systems, the hydraulics, the dozens of kinds of hand tools, I am fascinated by them. I wish I knew more about carpentry, and how to use the tools – or perhaps better, when to use the tools.

But a carpenter I am not. What a great skill to have.

My Grandpa Waters was a carpenter. On this application to be a Salvation Army officer he lists that as his job. But a carpenter is a craftsman, much more than a job. To be able to create something, or build something would be a wonderful gift.

Our gift comes in the form of Philip.

This week I had to “pop over” to Winnipeg. My collegue Rob went with me – we found ourselves flying home on West Jet, each with our own row to ourselves.

I was in three of our buildings – the Centre of Hope, the Barbara Mitchell Centre and the Heritage Park Corps. I have some history in Winnipeg as my parents were there when I was young, and they were there during the time of their marriage.

The roots of this congregation come from St. James and they had, as it seems many of our buildings have, a few pictures to remember the days.

Remember but don’t rewrite history. Said my grandfather (as reported to me), “the good old days weren’t that good”.