Boxes, boxes, and more boxes.
We are moving, we are retiring and we are packing. It's been more than 20 years since we have been in this town. And now the big day is rapidly approaching.
Thirty years ago, I first came to this town and one dark bone-chilling snowy winter night in a deserted parking lot with snow rapidly rising to the top of my tires, I tried to jam my car keys into a frozen lock and vowed never to return to this God-forsaken place after my one-year contract was up. After three years in southern California and two in Vancouver, I finally attained my master's degree. I prayed for God's guidance in finding a job in a suitable place. Two jobs in my field opened up, one in Victoria and the other in Prince George. And as if some cosmic joke were being played, which door opened first? After three interviews, I was offered the job here (actually my old job back) and given some time to think about it. I said I wasn't getting any other offers, accepted the job and got ready to move back.
Then Victoria phoned and offered an interview. I had already made up my mind that God was directing me here and I have been here ever since.
For the most part, it has been a wonderful 25 years. We have made lots of friends, ate lots of wild game and gone cross-country skiing in the winter. Winters have not been so bad (except the sudden snow dump recently - another cosmic joke?), temperatures have warmed and people are always willing to push your car out of the snow banks. If you had asked me decades ago whether I would be spending most of my working life in a small northern town, I would have said no way! But life and God lead us on some mysterious and unforeseen paths.
And believe it or not, it's all good.
St. Paul wrote, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). We don't know where God will lead us if we are willing to follow. Sometimes we are at the end of the rope with no hope. Then ask God to lead you, to find a way out. No temptation has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience; but God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but along with the temptation He will provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it (I Corinthians 10:13). And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
This will probably be my last clergy comment.
Thanks for the memories!
See you at the beach!
