today you spoke humbly today of your walk through the valley of darkness - and your people welcomed you again our fear subsided a wee bit today for all of us must walk through that valley - and spiritual direction is most valued what was most wonderful to hear today was that peace and gratitude come gently - in the company of the compassionate you were isaiah returning today from foreign trials to home again - with a sense of direction and purpose breaking the bread is peace in the valley finding the tomb empty is allelujah

Donna Joe Massie (currently painting in Canmore) - "Ralph Connor Memorial United Church, Canmore," Print on paper, date unknown Image from Luxton Foundation Collection, Banff, Alberta.

While attending service today in Canmore, I was privileged to hear a pastor returning to his church sharing his journey along the Emmaus road. For he had travelled that road of darkness and light as a cancer survivor. The story was all the more poignant in the fresh light of Easter and the full church's enthusiastic singing. The church was founded in 1890 by Presbyterian missionary Charles Gordon, one of Canada's favourite novelists as "Ralph Connor". The event called for something Connoresque.

1journey.net     7 april 2013 elias