Wednesday, January 23, 2013

January 23, 2013


I got stuck in my own driveway this morning. Completely my own fault: I reversed into a pile of snow on the side of the drive instead of moving straight back.

The very first thing that went through my mind was: “Don’t spin your wheels”. I guess that mantra was embedded from Drivers’ Ed many years ago. I certainly know it to be true. But what did I do? You guessed it. “Just a little try,” I thought, “just a little.” Well, I was stuck thoroughly in seconds.

I do have a good shovel, and I have warm boots. So I began to dig.

And you may well guess what happened next. A kind neighbour brought another shovel from across the street, and together we released my tires from the snowbank. I drove forward, turned, and reversed straight into the street. Perfect.

You know that our theme this year is “Who is my neighbour?” I’m grateful to Colin for helping me dig out, and it was a pleasure to chat with him a few minutes.

I wonder what the astronaut Chris Hadfield thought when he tweeted the photo of Edmonton, with the snowy fields and river valley so well defined. You’ll find it on our bulletin cover. He may or may not have had any idea of the neighbourliness we give one another. Nor the love of God that inspires some of us to keep it up.


Blessings of neighbourhoods and grace,

The Rev. Dr. Catherine Faith MacLean