I am sitting in our suite in Prince Albert on the NCEM headquarters.  The blue sky is dotted with fluffy white clouds.  Several pines are standing green and tall around the property.  The snow has melted - even this far north - and the grass is trying to poke through the winter cover of leaves.  Spring is arriving and with it HOPE!
As we have been transitioning into our role as General Director of NCEM, we feel God's HOPE rising in us.  We have traveled to Albert in the past two weeks and been well received by the missionary folks on the field.  They are all about their work, about the people they reach.  And God is at work in their communities, even though the news would say the crime and violence and issues continue to be dark and gloomy.
Our morning started off by Walter and I leading the chapel time.  I played a couple songs that had the Easter story and message of Christ's hope- "In Christ Alone" and "Cornerstone".  Walter shared the Scripture he read last night in Exodus of the Burning Bush and Moses.  He challenged us to listen to God, no matter if we have been "called" years ago to ministry and mission work or is renewing and redirecting us.  Look at us standing here in NCEM; God has clearly called out and we needed to pay attention and respond.
Today, Walter and I took our sandwiches to eat with some of the various headquarters, print shop and Tribal Trails staff.  I ended up spending a two-hour lunch as people came and went at staggered times.  It was an incredible chance to build the relationships, update on family news and just enjoy the warmth and the sunshine.  It's the little things, the random opportunities, that count.  God is in the little things.
Easily, we could be overwhelmed by the task of giving direction and vision to a mission organization that has struggled.  We could be frustrated by the misunderstandings, the unfamiliar ways and our own impatience with the slowness of process...or we could keep praying and seeing HOPE in our Lord's patience and wisdom.
So, as I gaze out the window and praise the Lord for such a beautiful day, I am also grateful for His ways in our lives.  He found us faithful to entrust to us a new challenge and to have gone before us on these first few trips to visit folks and we feel His hand of blessing at the warm receptions we have had.  We want to continue to share His hope and vision as He fills us up with His Spirit, that will never run dry!
Jesus Christ is a Risen Saviour - He is alive and at work.  I am so glad I serve Him!