So It Goes
So it goes. The world doles out something beyond imagination for all of us to navigate. We’ve missed each other. I’ve missed you. I have, like many others, worried, wondered, and wandered this past while. And I’ve thought an awful lot. Sometimes about the awful, but most often not. I prefer to think on the lovely. And that is a lovely thing to do.
When one lives in so many places over so many years, home is something that you learn to embrace wherever you happen to be. Anyone that has known me for any length of time knows that I have called many villages, towns, and cities home. I’ve lived in trailers, apartments, houses, duplexes. Old and new, memorable and decidedly forgettable. Long before the pandemic ever hit, I prayed about my land. Where I could plant myself. (Not actually plant, for any plants near me would need to have a strong survival instinct.) My heart has always been close to Edmonton. And though I was entirely open to being wherever, deep in my heart, I wanted to put my feet up pretty close to Edmonton, too.
So it goes. I surrender my heart’s desire and the kindness of God renders me speechless(which is a feat). To say that I feel blessed would be a pretty small statement. I am overwhelmed at where I’ve been planted. My perfect place. Bluebells, chestnuts (which maybe I will roast over an open fire), wild Alberta roses, poplars, and peace. A home with faith and vision. When and if we ever have coffee, I’ll tell you the story of my perfect place that isn’t perfect but it’s perfect for me.
Things get wild and so it goes. In the midst of the wildness and wilderness we have each been wandering. I’ve spent considerable time overthinking pretty much everything. Thankfully, I have been able to watch the seasons change from my office. Reminders of the goodness of God, His faithfulness to all generations. There’s something about experiencing the joy of the first snow, the first leaves on the trees in spring, and the flutter of robins and sparrows. I’ve sung to a moose, watched a bunny chase a golf ball, and heard the wind through the leaves.
It takes time to settle in, so it goes. My space has been taking up a lot of space in my life. Painting, arranging, organizing, unpacking, dealing with everyday things like the eaves and the internet added to full time work as a teacher. If you know a teacher, please hug them as soon as you can. It’s been rough out there. If you know a family whose had to juggle online learning and working, please hug them as soon as you can. It’s unreal what they have conquered. Basically, hug anybody you can as soon as you can. You need it. Make the hug whatever you’re comfortable with but do reach out.
Making an effort to prioritize the important. This past Christmas, I decided that I needed to prioritize music, and so I’ve been writing a little bit every day. This is a new thing for me. I’m a marathoner. If I have something to do whether it is educational or musical or even organizational (as in my never ending quest for systemic bliss in my home), I start and I don’t quit until the task has been completed. Not this season with my music. I’ve been writing a bit by bit. By the end of a week, often I have a song complete. I still am dreaming of the next album and I do have a working title. I love studio work, gigs, and I miss my musical colleagues. It’s been a privilege to continue to lead worship this past year alongside some pretty amazing and dear friends.
And so it goes. Adjusting and shifting and changing and learning. I’m learning new things - high and low tech while I eagerly await more opportunities to connect through the arts.
Until we meet again, may you experience peace surrounding you as you navigate whatever comes your way. And when it goes, remember that tomorrow is another day. So it goes. And so you will go, too.
Sandy