Making a difference in the world

I love it when people live life on mission.

It characterizes the lifestyle of the exceptional folks that lead our regional coffeehouse gatherings.

Once a month a group of 10 to 15 people gather to plan and pray for something we call Conversation Peace. We work hard--coming up with ideas for interesting conversations; administering the details; and creating the culture of fun and transparency that typifies our coffeehouse gatherings. If it weren't for such a great team, Conversation Peace would be Conversation: Rest In Peace.

Our purpose is simple: we want to foster conversations with our friends and neighbours. We believe that Jesus can use dialogue to draw people into our community on mission.

We meet in two locations: in Walkerton at the White Rose Coffeehouse and in Durham at the Durham Art Gallery. And we meet in both locations simultaneously: the team of 10-15 people is actually 2 teams of five to eight people. We gather as a large group to organize. But we separate to make Conversation Peace happen in Walkerton and Durham, respectively.

Every month, newcomers are welcomed at both venues. People talk. More importantly, people listen.

And my favorite part is that it's not dependent on me. The organizing teams believe in the vision. And they are committed to inviting their friends and neighbours into these conversational communities.

So, to the team of people who work so hard to make Conversation Peace a transformational community, thank-you. You inspire me. You are making a difference in the world.

Be a freak, take a chance

My wife thinks I'm a freak.

Not in a "I don't want to be around you" kind of way. But in a "you're special" kind of way.

It's because I'm not afraid of rejection.

I actually believe that crashing and burning is not something to fear; that failure is a necessary prelude to success; that open windows are not far from closed doors; and that God can be trusted with my future.

So, next time you're tempted to back down because you're afraid of failing or being rejected, do something bold. Take a step forward into the unknown. That move could be the one that changes your life forever.

My birthday reflection

Am I getting old?

It's strange, I've always felt young. Maybe it's because most other pastors weren't born at the height of the disco era. Or maybe it's because Erika and I chose to have our first child in our early twenties.

Maybe it's because most professionals, like Physicians, have always been older than me. That is until Monday, when Shawna had her tonsils removed. In the process Erika and I met two wonderful M.D.'s: an otolaryngologist--we could have been in high school together;

and an anesthetist? She had to have been my age.

All of these observations are leading me to one, unavoidable conclusion. I'm becoming a middle-aged man.

Someone, convince me otherwise.

No more kittens

Our cat got spayed yesterday.

It took 2 litters in 8 months for us to see the vet. I'm glad it's done.

He called after the procedure to say everything went well. Then he went on to list the concerns he had about her weight loss (she's a skinny cat) and her overall health.

I think he thought we neglected our cat. I mean, sure, she had just been weaned from her kittens. And, yes, she spent last week outside (where she spends all of her time in the summer) while we were on vacation. But she's a hunter; when she's not sleeping.

Nevertheless, the vet was concerned.

I should have asked him if he was concerned about the mouse Tiger-lily killed and ate the day before her operation.