Can You Canoe Too?

I'm looking forward to writing some stories.  My head and my heart are full.

I have paddling on my mind.   My beloved, our youngest, and I, recently returned from a trip to Wisconsin to attend Canoecopia, the largest paddle expo in the world.   We are now even more eager to get out on the water and out into the bush.

But....we have wait. For trivial things like "ice-out". While we wait, we talk about trips we'd like to make, destinations, time of the season, possible day trips, week long trips, dream about someday trips...at least we can go on hikes. Going to a paddle show makes spring go a little slower :)

I thought about how I should go about trying to explain the phenomenon of Canoecopia, to my friends who don't "get it". What brings 20,000 people together in one exhibition hall? What packs 10 stages with hour long speaking sessions for two and a half days?   I realized that it really just boils down to sharing a common passion.

Any gathering over a common interest will be enjoyed by those who share that interest.  Quilters do this.  Scrapbookers do this.  Motorcycle and car enthusiasts do this.

We met up with old friends and made new ones.  It was GREAT to talk shop with fellow paddlers.  Out of the corner of my ear I heard one participant say that she would be taking part in the Wabakimi Project this summer.  This same nice lady was sitting by herself somewhere later and I introduced myself as a past project volunteer....and we had a lovely chat!!   We exchanged email addresses, and this week I sent along a link to my posts and photos of our adventure.  

In going over the links, I found my Lasting Glances post.   And I realized there are paddling stories that must be told.   You know...cause I'm waiting anyway.   Stay tuned!

Wonderings and Wanderings

The words we say and the things we do.  They're out there.  And we can't reel them back in.   I can edit the words I say here.  I like that about writing.  It feels less permanent. And I DO edit from time to time.

While blogging can be revealing, one has some control over the content. Does that just paint the picture I want you to see?

The other day I felt convicted that the things I do, must be consistent with the words I say.   Or else, I am just an clanging cymbal.  Pious words, with nothing to back them up.  Claims with no substance.

I had some reservations about my previous post; whether I wanted the world to read it, and then call me on it.  

Things happen.  They always happen.   Small group happens.   Work happens.  Coffee happens.  Creating and crafting happens.   These are all good things.  Fun things.  I LOVE fun things.   It's easy to give all in those situations.  

But what about the "other stuff".   You know....unpleasant situations, hurtful words, unkindness, criticism, cynicism, tears....am I ready to give it all then too? There are people around us who watch and listen. They hear my words, and see my wanderings.

I wonder where I wander sometimes.  I think that how we react to the "other stuff" probably has a great impact on fellow wanderers.   And then again, maybe no one notices at all.  

Still.  At the end of the day...there is hope, love, and forgiveness, and the greatest of these is Love.    I'm so glad.  

Giving It All

I think giving means different things to different people.   Giving involves more than just our money.  It is also giving of ourselves, our time, our gifts.  Does that change the context of giving?

I have more time, gifts, and self at my disposal than I do money.    And I love to give. I'm getting better at it again. Sometimes you have to let go of some stuff before you can give things away.   Complicated.  Yet so simple.

Last year, my blog was fairly quiet, there wasn't a lot of giving going on. Not a lot of overflow.  But I'm ready again.

I'm excited about a brand new year. I wonder about the adventures that are in store, the plans that God has. The people He will put on my path. The paths we will wander together, and yet also the ones I will  explore on my own.

A year, to me, is like a wonderful field covered with snow. A clean slate. No footprints. Does it make you want to tiptoe around the edges and not cover the landscape with marks?  Or does it make you want to charge out of the gate and make snow angels? 

I wonder what the field of this past year would like?   Covered with tracks I'm sure....lots of loops to retrace steps for "do-overs"...but always two sets of footprints beside each other, because I never walked alone.