A little bit of clay

As some of you may know I have discovered a new hobby.  I have in recent years become a potter.  I am still learning, and whether I am any good at it is questionable.  What is unquestionable is the joy, peace and contentment I receive while engaged in this new activity.

The scriptures are full of references to clay, and is it any wonder?  In the days of the Old Testament they only had one kind of container that served a multitude of purposes: clay jars. Different size jars and pots perhaps but all made of the same stuff — dirt (clay) and water.

Scripture highlights how the relationship between the potter and the clay resembles our relationship with God. Before we know God, we are like a pile of unmolded clay. When we yield to God’s leading, God gives our life value and purpose, the same way a potter gives clay value and purpose.

But there is another reference to clay that peeked my interest. In John chapter 9 Jesus passed by a blind man who was blind from birth.

The disciples asked Jesus,  “who sinned, this man or his parents?”

Jesus answered, “neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the word of God might be made visible through him.”

Jesus bent down and picked up a bit of clay at his feet, spit on it and smeared the clay on the blind man’s eyes. Jesus then told him to go and wash in the Pool of Siloam. So he did and came back able to see!

We are like clay — in our original state we are lifeless, helpless, useless, maybe even hopeless. But in the hands of God we are transformed, given purpose and value and moreover we can be used by God to do extraordinary things!

We are the clay, God is the Potter.  Allow God to work in you, on you and through you!

Yet you, Lord, are our Father.  We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

Isaiah 64:8

What I did on my summer vacation.

This year as I neared my traditional August off, I was exhausted. Certainly there has been the effects of a discombobulating couple of years, but it was more than that.  I felt spent, weepy and frankly useless. I found it difficult to plan, to read, to write, there were times I felt I couldn’t even speak coherently.  I was looking forward to going up to the cottage with Luna (and Brian) and just being and sleeping. Then I would read books and do pottery, go for walks and get out on the kayak and remember why God put me on this earth. I would sit in the sun and breath in and breath out and just be present in the moment. I would rest and then I would plan and write a new sermon series for the Fall.  It was going to be restful and productive.  Perfect!

It didn’t quite turn out as I imagined.

At the beginning of August I planned a gathering to celebrate a milestone birthday for Brian.  It was so fun and Brian felt honoured and special but it was exhausting.

Throughout the summer we had lots of people visit us up at the cottage.  It was wonderful to share our space up North but, it was exhausting.

In mid August we flew to New York for 5 days to go to shows, meet Billy Crystal, see the Blue Jays whip the Yankees, eat delicious meals, see the sights and just embrace the NYC life.  It was a brilliant trip but, it was exhausting.

And, so we would soon not forget our wonderful trip, we brought home the souvenir of COVID.

Brian’s symptoms were pretty mild but I was sicker than I had ever been. Two days of high fever and excruciating headache. For five days I didn’t leave my bed. I don’t remember much of those days other than being just plain miserable. I spent another 5 days just watching garbage Netflix shows. Ten days of not having enough energy to read a book, to sit at the pottery wheel, to go for a walk, to paddle a kayak, to sit in the sun and breath in and breath out. I was that exhausted.  And as I write this, I am still functioning at a lower ebb with which I am familar.

People ask, did you have a relaxing summer?  I am not sure how to answer.  Spending 10+ days doing literally nothing (not because I wanted to but because my body gave me no choice) was not how I planned to “relax” but that’s what happened.

I am not complaining and I certainly hope I don’t sound whinny, this is just to say that we might have plans to do x, but it may not pan out they way we thought.  So what does that mean?

It means it is ok.

It means that sometimes our plans are not God’s plan.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says we must “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

I believe that it is only when we surrender our lives completely that God can start to work out God’s will in our lives. Let go and trust God, is a pretty good motto.

It means blessed be name of the Lord in the good and the bad.

Romans 8:28 says: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to God’s purpose.”

No, my summer wasn’t the picture-perfect relaxing, rejuvenating summer I had envisioned but we have all lived long enough to know that life doesn’t always go as we plan. What I have come to learn is that these times become opportunities to trust in the Lord, to show myself the same love and grace as I would show my neighbour and learn to embrace the unplanned!

Bring Your Backpack for Blessing

The mornings and the evenings are a little cooler, the sun is setting a little earlier in the night, even a few leaves are changing colour on the trees.  All signs that fall is quickly approaching.  For many families, that means school is right around the corner.  For some of us, nothing notably different will happen in our homes, as there are no children near. Still there is a sense of new beginnings and a longing for routine that swirls around us.

With the new school year comes a multitude of emotions, ranging from excitement to anxiousness, sometimes all mixed together.  September brings so many possibilities. 

Can you picture the littlest ones starting preschool programs, and those entering kindergarten for the first time?  Do you remember wondering about your new teacher or what your new school would be like? I vividly remember getting lost in the hallways and forgetting my locker combination in high school. Can you empathize with the parent letting go and driving away from campus or navigating the ‘adulting’ rules for the students who are at home?

Do you remember those days? Do you remember the frenzy of emotions?  Do you remember the joy of seeing friends again and the dread of homework?  Do you remember the first day photos and the bedtime tears?  

You are not alone. God is with you all the time.

Deuteronomy 31:6
 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Amberlea's Family Ministry desires to support the family to live a life of faith as Jesus taught us. We desire to come alongside families of all ages, shapes and sizes and doing life right where you’re at.

We want to remind you that you are not alone.  God has given us, His church, the amazing opportunity to demonstrate that to you.  Let us bless you at the start of this new school year.

Attend the Backpack Blessing service on Sunday, September 11 at 11am. Bring your backpack, briefcase, purse, bag to church and together we will bless students of all ages, teachers and school staff and your bags. If you can’t attend, no worries. Gather your bags at home and participate in the blessing online as a family. You will find the Sunday Worship Service on YouTube.

Sound a little odd? We will take the item you carry around the most and use it as a reminder of God’s great love and ask for His favour and protection as you go forward.

Invite a friend, neighbour or grandchild. You might be surprised who might come.

Not sure how to participate? Just come and bless others. Or you are welcome to bless others at the start of this new school year by bringing in donations of school lunch and snack supplies for the Food Bank.

Let us bless you. Come on Sunday, September 11 at 11am.  Don’t forget your backpack!

Submitted by Nancy Varga
Family Ministries Director
Amberlea Church