I’m excited about planting seeds, and so I’m watching the local weather forecast these days. And for good reason: it’s all tied to my latest long term mission project. Fortunately I don’t have to raise too many funds for travel with this project; just walk about 15 feet past our garage. You see, there’s a mission field right in your own backyard. Or at least there is in mine.
We have a modest house on a reasonably sized lot. Every winter for the past number of years we’ve continued one of those great Canadian traditions: the backyard rink. In an era when fewer and fewer neighbours get to know each other, the backyard rink is a magnet for kids (and their dads) to get together. Nothing beats a game of dads against kids on a backyard rink. It comes complete with the requisite hot chocolate and “running up the score” on some fathers who just can’t quite seem to stop the puck from going in the net. I suppose some might think it unfair that one net is only four feet wide, while the other net happens to be the entire width of the Dads’ end of the rink. You can almost hear the ground itself cry out: “I am CANADIAN”. It’s a place where you can build community, build relationships, and find a relaxed venue in which to share some things – including your faith – with your neighbours. Sometimes mission is just that simple.
Which brings me back to the weather forecast. In spring, summer and fall the big rectangle at the side of the garage serves as a vegetable garden. I think this year we will try to host a bit of a community garden. Neighbourhood corn boil anyone? Let the neighbours bring the butter, and you can be the salt of the earth.
I’m excited about planting seeds.
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