It's all about people!

Today is another busy day - in fact some things that I normally do on a Thursday have had to be rearranged. I will not be teaching at a nearby Bible College; much to the chagrine of the students. I have the feeling that there will be a generous round of high-fives going around as the news of my absence reaches them.

Another meeting, one that I am supposed to be attending, will be forfeited. I don't enjoy the prospects of bailing on my fellow committee members but sometimes you have to do what you have to do.

What could be so important, TODAY, of all days that I would take such drastic actions.

Let's see - April 15, 2010. If I was an American, it would mean a mad scramble to get my income taxes prepared and submitted before the midnight deadline. But, I am Canadian, which means I have another two full weeks of procrastination before the mad scramble to get my taxes submitted before a midnight deadline.

April 15, 2010 is the first day of fishing season here in New Brunswick. Now that would be a reason to cancel meetings and classes. Spring has come very early to our neck of the woods!! Migratory birds that normally appear in May are already here. The snow is all but gone. The grass is already green. The water levels are significantly down from flood stage. I suspect that the fish would be biting were I to toss a fly into the waters of the Meduxnekeag river today!!

April 15, 2010 is my 21st wedding anniversary. Yes, 21 years ago, I stood at the front of Apostolic Faith UPC in Dothan, Alabama and took Melissa Lyna Paramore to be my bride. Still going strong after 21 great years. What better reason to press the pause button and escape from the regular hubbub of the everyday grind.

The real reason that today is a busy day, and that regular activities have been put on hold is that a dear saint of the Lord will be celebrated in a home-going service today. Luther Christensen, whose son Martin attends the church I am privileged to pastor, will be laid to rest today in Perth Andover, NB.

Just a few days ago he breathed his last breath of this earthly life and began feasting on the glories of heaven. We were there. My wife and I and Martin and his wife stood around the bedside of this dying man and sang "In the Sweet By and By":

I feel the touch of hands so kind and tender.
They're leading me in the paths that I must trod.
I'll have no fear for Jesus walks beside me
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.

So let the storm clouds rage high,
The dark clouds rise,
They don't bother me;
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.
He walks with me,
And naught of earth shall harm me,
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.

We finished singing and then prayed. Before we left the hospital Luther went from hearing my pitiful voice along with the others to hearing an angelic choir singing "Holy, Holy, Holy". He went from hearing my feeble voice praying to hearing the Master say, "Well done"!!

So as the drive to and fro, the funeral, the committal and the reception chew away at three or four or five hours of my day, I guess I will miss my classes. I will miss a meeting. I will certainly miss fishing. I will not celebrate my anniversary as some would feel appropriate. I will not be doing my taxes either. I will however be rejoicing with family and friends as an old soldier goes home.

Some would say that I have my priorities mixed up. When I accepted this call, so many years ago, I knew that in the end it's all about the people!!