HELLO!

I am enjoying the last few days of work before my vacation. As often happens, requests for visits comes just as the vacation nears, so I am filling up these days with visits in the morning, afternoon and late afternoon. And on Thursday morning (early) I have been asked to pass out numbers to our foodbank clients, like Danny and Maarten do. I have big shoes to fill! Some people have asked me if I am going away in August and the answer is no. Now that I only work one job, there is less disposable income for trips to White Point or other cottages in Nova Scotia. The deck feels like a good place to be, I have several books lined up and Kim and I will be traveling to food markets in various places outside HRM. Kim also has purchased some tickets to concerts like the Sam Roberts Band. But most of August In will sit on the deck, listening to music (1978-1982).

I will continue to write daily blogs, I started this project in March 2020, at the previous church I served, and I will continue this throughout August. I have never missed a day in six years. Also, if someone were to die, I will return for the funeral, to meet the family…I have done this for 36 years.

What vacation means to me is the absence of meetings and driving. I enjoy my work, unless a meeting goes beyond 90 minutes, but it is important to recharge one’s batteries. Only once, in 36 years, did I need to say to someone “I am on vacation” and that was when the Property Chair, in a former church, called to ask my opinion on the colour of the carpet for the Parlour. On all other occasions, during all other vacations, people only called on me when it was necessary; a death or emergency.

I enjoy my work, but I have NO “need to be needed” and there is no FOMO (fear of missing out) in me. I do like to know if I can help, by listening or sharing what others have found helpful when they faced similar challenges. And I appreciate knowing how God is speaking to you personally, to us as a church. I love to connect. But…I am not “married to my role” as minister, I don’t need to be in charge (I like team decisions), I don’t need to be appreciated or affirmed (ask the staff), and I have zero need to get my way, (no Frank Sinatra in me). My wife Kim says, “you are low maintenance but not easy going”, meaning I am most flexible, but also opinionated. I like to state what I see and feel but have no expectations that things will or should go my way. Again, ask the people who work with me, they will back me up on this. What is important to me is how people treat others. When people around me are caring for each other, I am very happy. I know this will carry on in August, with or without me. It will be quieter at the church but just as warm. Peace, Kevin