Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

As expected/anticipated, here’s the typical 01 January letter.

I’ve only a brief reflection on the past year, which was all full of ups and downs. And a reflection it is – it’s not a year in review, because (in my opinion) that doesn’t really get into the substance of it. A review doesn’t encourage the learning from the past, nor does it embrace the work of carrying forward the good (even trying to improve upon it!) So a reflection: a glance back to seek out the moments of joy and of grace, with the intention of moving forward to continue that seeking.

The concept of continuation is another thought I have today…  yes, the calendar hgas changed, yes the year is a different number, but that doesn’t mean everything has had an automatic re-set. Things are the same – our relationships, our situations, our realities. What is new is our willingness to see this time of the new year as an opportunity for us to discern if we want to make any changes. The changes don’t  - won’t, can’t - happen from any external force, but only from within ourselves. And in order for that to happen, we have to do the reflecting, the careful look at our perspectives, and make any changes that we want to see. So my goal for 2014 will be to carry forward the good, learn from (while healing from, and ideally not repeating!) the less-than-good, and trying to remain open to the ‘third option’ that;s usually right beyond my line of sight.

So: some highlights from 2013:

Personally, possibly the best thing I did in 2013 was to visit PWRDF (Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund) partners in the Philippines. It was great to hear the stories of folks who work tirelessly to make he world a better place. An amazing experience to make so many friends, see so much passion for justice and peace.

In the work world, my best thing this year was working towards the beginning of the PWRDF’s 3-year food security campaign. Our beloved Primate of the Anglican Church is the spokesperson, encouraging and challenging us to celebrate good news food stories and make them into better stories.  (Check it out!! http://fredsays.ca)

Some other cool stuff I did included being the Speaker at the annual BCYAYM (British Columbia and Yukon Anglican Youth Ministry) conference in the fall; being appointed as the PWRDF rep to the Council of General Synod (church geekness, I know! It’s the national decision making body). In my personal/social life I got to connect with some of my favourite people, re-connect with some amazing folks, and have had realized that I’ve been involved with some really cool stuff and people.

And, in the theme of continuance, I’m so loving being part of the best parish in the country, heading out to enjoy the natural world with the puppies, and spending as much time as possible with my (chosen) family – without whom this year would have really been overwhelming!

So as I begin looking forward to 2014 I’m making plans for some fun, some laughter, some downtime with family. Hopefully an adventurous ‘Party Paddle’ will happen this summer (no winter canoe racing!), and of course a good quotes list of fun-ness.

Prayers for a healthy and safe 2014!!

Some of the share-able laughs of 2013:

*Why aren’t they checking their email?

*Laughing Padi

*Of all the blood labs….

*I wish I’d farted on her twice

*Thumptin Thoup

*TEA!

*I want a bobblehead.

*It’s good to be full of beans

*every conceivable tented nun joke

*I’ll drive the bus

*Pie mule

*We heard you laughing through the wall

*Cranmer

*Step back or steamroll

*Settlers

*Oh there IS gin in there!

*You f&(%witted dinosaur twat. :-) Gets my vote for description of the year. Brilliant! 

*Sex? Are people still doing that? :-S

*Stop smiling!!