When we retired, I wondered what my days would be filled with. I had books to read, gardening to do and some extra tasks that I wanted to do. I still do, and will, but over the past year, I’ve been able to discover a new field of endeavor and accomplish things that I did not expect. One of those areas is my involvement with CIVIDA. I was in a meeting this week on the 15th floor of an office tower overlooking the river valley, just around the corner from where my office use to be.

Our work has picked up over the summer with special meetings for a matter which is not yet public, but will be sometime soon when the Government of Alberta determines the right timing.

As well is my work as the regional director for social mission, 4 days a week, I am finding my days full. Sometimes too full, but that’s the thing about retirement, I can quit either when I want.

This past week I led the affirmation of ministry for Kim and Stephen as they joined our Edmonton team. The music was terrific and we held it on the upper patio which, while windy, provided a unique location for our time.

And finally, and I took this photo off of Facebook, I wanted to acknowledge Bob who had a profound impact on my thinking, calling and ministry. Bob was our corps officer in Mississauga. He had a terrific ability to teach and preach the Word of God. His theology was sound and he brought many insights from The Bible to my own curious mind. He was funny and engaging and he and Shirley really cared for Wendy and I. He came and sat with us in our sparse living room. He encouraged my interest in preaching and I went visiting with him. He was a good pastoral visitor. I could not have had a better model apart from my own Dad.

We later worked together at DHQ in Hamilton and he was the DC in Alberta for a while. Our paths continued to cross in many ways even after they retired. He always had a dog and to see this recent picture of them with another dog, well it just seemed natural. He was forever challenging THQ and calling out what he viewed as poor decisions. I really like working with him. There are many people who played a role in our lives – these are just two folks that I don’t see often but think fondly of.

And then – a moment of humour….