Often I either have my nose in a book or my face in front of a computer screen. Much of my work gets done this way. But a point always comes when my eyes and my brain need a break.
I’m also prone to forget that I need to, you know, get outside once in awhile.
So sometimes I need a change. I went for a walk yesterday with our two sons, our two dogs, and a dog we’re dog sitting, and I realized how much I needed the fresh air. It was sunny and there was a beautiful breeze. It was refreshing.
Today, all of my family and the three dogs went to one of our many local beaches. Again, it was a breath of fresh air.
It was good for my soul.
Sometimes you don’t know what you need until you make time for it.
In my case, I needed to get outside.
My wife is always telling me to take the dogs for more walks.
Truthfully, as much as God speaks to us primarily through Scripture, he likewise speaks to us in creation, the world he made and placed us in.
And when I say he speaks to us, I don’t only mean in terms of concepts, principles, and intellectual ideas.
He can—especially if we take the time to listen—speak his rest into us. He gives us permission to enjoy the world he made. To enjoy the creation means enjoying the Creator.
For me, doing so over the last couple of days has been a breath of fresh air.
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Published by Derek Melanson
Greetings!
The most important thing about me is not first and foremost about me. It’s about the person of Jesus. I receive my identity, my purpose, and my very breath and life from Jesus. Colossians 1:16 says it well. Speaking of Jesus, there the apostle Paul writes, “All things have been made through him and for him.” Who I am, I am because of who he is. And because through him I have been reconciled to God, I now live to orient my life around him. I don’t always do this very well. So I’m grateful for the good news of God’s forgiveness.
Since August 2002 I have been married to a beautiful, wonderful Christian woman. Because of her, my life has been much more of an adventure than it would otherwise have been. She’s loving, smart, funny, determined, and real. Being her husband is a privilege and a joy.
And our joy has multiplied. We have three children. One girl and twin boys. They’re fun, silly, energetic, smart, and exhausting. All unique individuals, they keep us on our toes. Thanks to them, our home is filled with a lot of laughter.
We also have two dogs: a 10-year old mixed poodle-terrier named Sneaker and a 1-year old yorkie named Izzy.
On top of all this, God has also called me to be a pastor. Our church is a small, rural church filled with loving, faithful people. Working with them to live out the good news of God is a great gift.
What else? Well, I happen to like the following things (in no particular order of favourites): playing guitar, writing (obviously!), reading (theology, classic fiction), a variety of movies and TV shows but especially those in the sci-fi/adventure/fantasy/super-hero genres, Dairy Queen Chocolate Extreme Blizzards, buffalo wings, salsa, Doc Martens, Grip6 belts, and Birkenstock sandals. I love my children’s laughter and my wife’s smile. And I love that God — in his abundant grace — allows me to enjoy any of these things.
There. Now you really know me.
I hope you enjoy and get something out of reading my blog. I’d love it if you made some comments on a post or two. Normally, I usually post several times a week. Though occasionally I can go as long as a week or more without doing so. Fear not! I will post again!
Peace,
Pastor Derek
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grace notes 
A Lesson Learned. I have learned the same lesson in the last few months. I walk every day if it doesn’t rain and last week I started taking Senior Swims at the Pool on Sherose Island. I feel like a ‘new ‘person. I have lost 9 ibs. by enjoying nature and exercising with new friends. God has a plan for each of us. We have to put in a little effort. God Bless.