The big chill...

It's been cold here in heresy-land.  I mean, seriously cold.  When average temps for January run -11 to +6 (12-42 F), it was a breathtaking-30 (-22F) this morning and we're expected to reach a balmy -15 (5F) as a high.  When it's 20+ degrees warmer in Helsinki (yes, Finland) than in the foothills (not mountains) of Colorado... *mutters*

Weather like this always makes me think of the homeless.  We have a lot of homeless in the area due to the normally clement weather and generally tolerant attitude towards the indigent.  This year, of course, there are a lot more than usual and those 'additions' are woefully unprepared to deal with what's happening to them.  Obviously, they need help.

In the 21st century secular/capitalist environment we live in, government, especially local government, is picking up where the church traditionally has been the pillar of support.  In our present economic 'crisis', local government isn't tightening its belt, it's sold the belt to pay the bills. Between decreased revenues (less people in the pews means smaller collections) and increased costs (be it higher bills, fancy conferences, hush money for lawsuits or spendy ad campaigns) the Church has less 'free income' to spend on things like feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and sheltering the homeless.  So, if the structured religious organization is too busy covering its assets and burying the silver it has, then mayhap it is time to find a servant who is more interested in being a good steward.

Note that this is not an indictment of any particular sect, but a generalized admonition. 

Just sayin.

A funeral of sorts

Please pardon my divergence from the normal routine, but today isn't really a normal day.

This weekend was a funeral.  Though it really should have come as no surprize, the shock of seeing things laid out was still pretty hard.  I know that I'll recover after a day or so..."Cows need milking", as Momma Cecil would say.  Life is for the living and grieving, though important, has it's place and needs to stay there.

After 6 years together, my partner and I are no more.  I know that Father has a plan and this must be part of it.  That's mighty hard to see right now.  I just see a large part of my dreams, desires and small hopes lying in a casket.  I know that tomorrow will be better.  But I live in today.

When we buried Momma Cecil, Daddy Cecil (a baptist preacher of over 50 years) said to me that funerals aren't about the dead, but rather about those who are left behind.  What happens when you're both?

Christ the pilot

On ships, both today and in years gone past, the helmsmen steers the ship and normally needs minimal direction to keep her on course.

In particularly trecherous waters or areas known to have dangerous weather, a local pilot is brought on board to help guide the ship through the troubled waters.  No matter how experienced a helmsman you may be, without a pilot to guide you, the raging sea can overwhelm the ship.

Just a light touch on the shoulder, a reassuring gaze or a quick reminder as to the course is all that is needed.  A good pilot knows when to guide and when to let the helm mind itself.  Further, it is not the pilot who steers, but advises and provides guidance.  The ship, and it's fate, still lies in the hands of the helmsman.

"Welcome back aboard, Sir.  I'm glad you're with me."