I am off to do a funeral today. Contrary to most people, I find preparing for funerals uplifting. In the face of death, I discover anew the joy of life. Re-reading the texts, I am comforted that as pleasant and good as life may be, there is more to come. And somehow, death brings us together like nothing else. We share our vulnerabilities and affirm our need for human community.

3 Important words to leave with mourners:
1. Presence: God is with us all through life and in death (Ps 23)
2. Life: death does not have the final word. Jesus does and that word is...
3. Resurrection: Jesus graciously shares his victory with us.

I'm In

I finally arrived in the 21st century. Got myself a cell phone. Smart phone to boot, not that any of the phones were labelled Dumb phones.

Three things about cell phone users that annoy me:
1. not turning them off before attending a public function;
2. having to check them every five minutes--what can be so important, people?
3. people gabbing at a high volume in a crowded place--is nothing personal anymore?

Time will tell if I end up as an annoying phone user.

Sunday Morning Driving

I love driving on Sunday mornings. The streets are almost completely empty. The windows in most homes are dark. All that is stirring is a few squirrels and some faithful dog owners taking their dogs for a walk. Lovely.

It is as it should be.

Three things about Sunday morning streets:
1. squirrels etching their "w" lines across the street;
2. the lack of cars with stereos blasting so loudly that MY car shakes;
3. no tailgaters.

Fall is Here

Today felt so fallish. Grey sky, wind, rain, a bit in the air. Perfect.
Three things I like about fall:
1. Rainy days;
2. Colourful leaves;
3. Football

Pre-Season

Pre-season hockey is here. That means:
1. Watching players who you will never see again;
2. Missed passes;
3. Leaving games early.

Can't wait until the real games start.