October Reflections

At a recent Touchstone Zoom Board Meeting my ministry report included some of these thoughts.

On September 5th I returned from a walk and settled in for some quiet reflection on the story of Jesus borrowing Peter’s boat as a platform to address the crowds pressing him on the shore.  Maybe to pay for the use of the boat he tells Peter to push out and try fishing again after a night of catching nothing. Not really expecting this to be any different Peter does it nonetheless and the miracle catch ensues. Peter’s reaction is to fall on his face in fear with a keen sense that he is a “sinful” man. 

Jesus kindly tells Peter to get up, looks him in the eye and says, “Don’t be afraid, from now on you will be in the people business.” Here is where I got caught up in the story.

I wrote in my journal “Five years ago I was in fear and turmoil – the Touchstone boat felt empty and there were no good prospects for future fishing. Jesus, you said (through friends, counselors, and the board), ‘Don’t be afraid, just keep fishing’. So, we cast our nets and 5 years later they keep filling. There is lots still to do and learn and to grow into as You lead, invite and provide.” I only realized now that this was what was happening during that very painful time.

So here I am 5 years later and none of the things I was anxious about occurred, but things of benefit and fruitfulness I didn’t envision have developed. Even with nearly two years of pandemic interruption we are still engaged on multiple platforms with many people and with resources still in abundance. Grateful to our Good God and you all for this.

Conversations are still the lifeblood and energizing centre for all else we do. Zoom chats continued but this summer we had more freedom for in person visits. The conversations ranged across many subjects; life, death, God, vocation, and whatever else came to the table.

When I purchased my annual local golf membership in April, I had no idea what a significant investment in our “conversations” it turned out to be. I sent out emails to a list of possible golf friends and over the summer several dozen different people have put up with my golf but enjoyed the company of friends. Needless to say, many deep conversations about life were shared.

Our Monday Thoughts continue to have wide reception on the different platforms. Soon we will see our next video podcast with a working title “Sowing Seeds of Peace in an Anxious and Angry World”. I’d just like our circle to be more infected with the peace rather than the anger virus.

Our group and retreat work continues with hybrids of virtual and in person gatherings. I am still figuring out what that all will look like as we move forward – a retreat we have scheduled this month will be part of the learning curve.

Over the years I have been called on to conduct funerals for what I call people “between the cracks”. This summer I had the privilege of assisting two families with memorial services and interments for loved ones. We lost three good friends in our circle as well, so sorrow and loss have been part of the richness of our summer experience.

 Life and death go with us as we walk this life: sorrow and joy, hope and fear, anger, and peace- lots of polarities in which the presence of Jesus helps keep our coracle of faith sailing as the Spirit leads. Thank you for your continuing support and participation in this quiet work of friendship in Christ.

May the goodness of friendship continue to grow among us,

Norm

PS. If you would like to support the continuing work of Touchstone there are a variety of ways to donate which can be found here. Thank you for your consideration.