The start of our shovelling jobThe end of our shovelling job
Yes, it snowed again. A lot. Not only that, but since the forecast was also calling for ice pellets and rain, we needed to shovel before the snow in the driveway became ice!
So out went Eli and I again.
To honour the occasion, here are three more lessons from shovelling!
First, if there’s something you need to do but don’t want to do, putting it off might only make it harder to do. If we hadn’t gotten out when we did, the ice pellets and change of temperature would have made the snow a lot harder to shovel.
Second, doing something you didn’t really want to do in the first place gives you satisfaction at a job well done. I actually debated between shovelling and waiting for the person who often plows for us. Of course, I didn’t want to make that trudge to the end of the driveway, but I’m really glad I did.
Third, doing what might otherwise be a toilsome job can be a chance to spend time with someone you care about. In my case, shovelling was an opportunity to do something with one of my sons. Eli told me that today was a good day. And when I asked why, he said because we got all that shovelling done. Then I commented that most of the time people wouldn’t say shovelling snow made their day better. But then he replied, “I got to hang out with you.” Cue happy Dad moment.
I should also reiterate that my other son Henry shovelled the end of the driveway later in the day after the plow did our street. The snow was much more densely packed and harder to shovel. When it seemed to be proving something of a challenge, I grabbed my gloves and jacket and went out again. Together, we got it done.
And as far as the above lessons go, I’m sure you can easily find ways to apply them to your own life—with or without a shovel.
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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