Our household has continued to follow the story of the sinking of the Queen of the North, and the rescue of 99 folks by the good people of Hartley Bay, with avid interest. It's not so much that we have a perverse interest in the story, its more that we know some of the participants. Having spent four years in Bella Coola I got to know some of the fine folks in Hartley Bay, and so as the news was unfolding on Wednesday morning, I followed it and recognized names floating up from the tiny First Nations Village.
But more then that, I was delighted to hear that National Church leadership contacted the community of Hartley Bay to convey the best wishes of the Greater Church in the wake of their heroic rescues. This became more important following the reporting of "reckless heroics" on the part of the Hartley Bay residents. Heroic - definitely. Reckless - not a chance. The people on the Coast know the risk, but they also know people WILL perish if you don't act fast and respond when a distress call goes out. That fateful night, they rushed out to do what they could, then they opened their homes and their hearts to the survivors ... Our thoughts and prayers for the families of the two still missing ...
Reflecting back on what we've been through, I realize that it is in moments like these (fires, ship sinkings, tragedies) that you see what people are made of. The cowards run, the egoists fold, and the people of faith - well, the people of faith step up and do what needs to be done, even if they don't realize their doing it ...
In Minnedosa we're surrounded by dozens upon dozens of people who have rolled up their sleeves and begun to do what needs to be done ... The fundraising suppers, the Teas, the Basketball tournament, and tonight the AOTS Mens' Club Pancake supper ... over and over since the fire, we've witnessed the actions of people just doing what they can.
That's the nature of faith - you're so busy working away at the addressing the problem you've encountered, that you don't even realize the impact you're having ...
Years later, looking back you can say - "my what a long way we've travelled ..." But when you're on the road, you sometimes can see only as far as the next hill, or the next valley ... the road seems long, but then faith enters in ... and instead of yearning for the next hill you start to enjoy the journey, one wondrous step at a time ...
In the last few weeks, this Blog has shared those steps, and looking back I can't help but think - "my what a long way we've travelled..." The road ahead is long, but what is important is savouring every step of the way ... It's kind of like the Pancake supper tonight ... One flip of the griddle at a time, you feed multitudes ... and before you know it, everyone is leaning back from the table feeling very satisfied, and having a good visit over coffee ...
Isn't that the point - it's not about me, or you - it's about what we do together as we build a healthy relationship ... and celebrate that we are (together) the family of God !!
L'chaim
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