A Moment with the Mission Centre President–Summer Beckons

It is June 30. How did that happen? Wasn’t New Year’s just a week ago – or maybe two?
 
In Edmonton we are now in about day 5 or more of “Heat Warnings” from Environment Canada. My weather app says it is 36° C and it supposedly “feels like” 39° C. My thermostat tells me it is 32.5° C on the main floor of our house. It is much warmer on the second floor. (Sleep much?) I am working in my somewhat cooler basement – but even it is not quite the cool respite that it was over the weekend as the heat gradually makes it way down our stairs.
 
I am sure that at some point during the -40° C cold snap last January I promised not to complain about the heat of the summer. But we are just human. There are different risks. The extremes of temperature are simply equally difficult to deal with. We are in Canada. We just do it. And we complain just because we can and we know no one can do anything about the cold or the heat. It is a socially shared climate experience every year.
 
It is June 30. Tomorrow is July 1 – Canada Day. And that is normally a pre-cursor to all the fun and events of the heart of the summer. No school. Summer vacations. Days at the pool or the beach. Back yard barbeques. Ice cream. Various fairs and festivals. The mid-way. Mini-Donuts! Special events. Community celebrations. Fun!
 
Oh – and church camps. And reunions or family camps. Trips full of anticipation to and from the campgrounds. Good times. Great ministry. Spirit-filled worships. Crazy campfires. Old skits that we laugh at just the same. Old friends. New friends. Hot weather! Rainy days! Swimming. Mosquitoes. Horseshoes. Canteen. Laughter. Fellowship. Love. “Isn’t this just like Zion?” “Have we experienced just a touch of the Kingdom of God on earth this week?” Can we just stay here and enjoy this for another few days? No – it’s time to go home. See you next year! It is a wonderful, shared social and spiritual experience every year.
 
Except last year. And except this year. But things are looking up for next year!
 
Look elsewhere in this Weekly Wire for information about online summer events planned for the next few weeks. They will be a good time. They will be memorable. They will not be the same. Like you, I look forward to NEXT summer and getting back to the normal that usually beckons at this time of year.
 
Meanwhile, have a fun and blessed summer THIS year! Enjoy the blessings of God that have been bestowed upon you in whatever form. Enjoy the sun and the heat – and inevitable rain. God’s creation is wonderful in all of its glory. Give thanks. Sing a camp song or a favourite hymn just for the fun of it!
 
As always, I pray for you God’s blessings of joy, hope, love, and peace in these challenging times.
 
Steve Thompson
Canada West Mission Centre President
steve@communityofchrist.ca