For many years, I played a brass instrument. Originally, I played small instruments like the cornet and horns, but over the years, I "graduated" to playing the largest, called a bass or tuba. Occasionally, I would hear comments that I …( read more )

When we sit at our tables awaiting our meals in the residence in which I live, the servers come to their assigned tables and inquire what we wish to eat. Lately, they have been coming with iPads, showing pictures of the options and …( read more )

When I was a teenager, I used to enjoy going out in the streets to play Christmas carols on my cornet (which is like a trumpet) with fellow members of a Salvation Army band. Today, such instrumental carolers are often found in the warmth …( read more )

We all are given a name. Sometimes, it has a significant meaning; sometimes, nicknames are used, but always it is our own. I was given the name Vincent, but normally I am addressed by the abbreviation, Vince. Early on, however, I learned …( read more )

The other day, I was walking from south to north on the rooftop terrace of the residence where I live. In front of me, I saw a very clear shadow. Every step I took forward, my shadow moved with me. As I turned and walked east, the shadow …( read more )

Recently, I stepped onto my balcony and looked down just as a toddler ran into his father's arms. The youngster registered a big smile as his loving parent picked him up and gave him a big hug. This was so encouraging because I had just …( read more )

We live our lives with certain expectations, so it is always a surprise when the unexpected happens. In 1959, we were in the United Kingdom for three weeks. During that time, we spent a day trying to find the resting place of my wife's …( read more )

A few days ago, I entered the elevator in my building with another resident. Only two people are allowed at a time so that distancing can be maintained. This lady and her husband moved in about the same time as I did, and we became …( read more )

God is omnipotent. It always amazes me that He has chosen to allow us mere mortals to choose to obey Him, even though He has the power to make us do so. From the start, He has given us a command but leaves us the choice. In the early …( read more )

We require power to do anything. Sometimes, the power comes from within, but often we need external power. In many cases, this external power is supplied by electricity, and we are connected to that source. However, when a direct …( read more )

Early in our lives, we may have heard words like "Mother knows best" or "Father knows best". As we grow up, it is normal that, more and more, we start to feel that we know best. During this time of living with a pandemic, it has …( read more )

Timing is everything. This is a common expression that is frequently used, particularly if something has happened that we find favourable. Occasionally, we hear of someone who has been innocently hurt because that person was in the …( read more )

Years ago, we had a tradition of enjoying a good roast beef dinner after worship on Sunday. To minimize Sunday work, the vegetables would be prepared on Saturday evening. The roast would be put in the oven before we left for church, and …( read more )

Recently, I stood on my fifth-floor balcony and watched a gentleman clean my windows, hanging by a rope. When he had finished my windows, he eased the clamp on the rope and safely lowered himself to the next floor. As I watched, I …( read more )

Everything that we say or do communicates what we want others to know about us. Sometimes, we do this by the clothes that we wear. When I wear a bright green shirt, the comments that I receive indicate that I am bringing happiness to my …( read more )

Two years ago, in April 2018, a troubled young man drove a van erratically down Yonge Street in Toronto, Canada. He veered on and off the sidewalk, killing ten people and seriously injuring fourteen others. It was a terrible occurrence …( read more )

During the current pandemic, there are many comments appearing about people re-evaluating what is important. It reminded me of a personal experience almost 50 years ago. I was asked by my employer, a large international technology …( read more )

We are created as social beings, meant to interact with others. The important thing is whether our interactions with others show God's love. One of the most common greetings is the handshake — now, not allowed. Some of us would …( read more )

Each month of the year has its own number of days, which is the same every year except leap year. 2020 is a leap year, and so this year, February had 29 days rather than 28. We all have a birthday that occurs on the same day each year, …( read more )

The World Health Organization has declared this latest coronavirus a pandemic. This directly affects life for all of us to some degree. At first it was a sad development in far-away China, where sickness and death rapidly spread. Then it …( read more )

The other day, a friend forgot something and immediately said, "I guess I'm having a 'senior's moment'". As we age, our memories start to fail, and we can't recall even recent events as easily as before. Some years ago, when I reached …( read more )

We spend our lives reacting to things that occur around us and to us. Hopefully our reactions are positive and helpful to others and ourselves. Sometimes, we feel that the actions of others are unfair to us, and from childhood, we have to …( read more )

To every action there is a reaction. In turn, these actions and reactions create expectations. When someone behaves unexpectedly, we are surprised. When we do something that we didn't plan or expect, we are surprised. The most important …( read more )

For many years, I have enjoyed listening to Queen Elizabeth's message on Christmas Day. This past Christmas, the Queen mentioned the importance of small steps leading to great change. She said that this was consistent with the teachings of …( read more )

Because we are tempted to judge others by their possessions, it is easy to jump to a conclusion when we know their address. For example, when we hear the word "penthouse", it is easy to assume that the described location is opulent and …( read more )

How is your health? This is a question that is frequently asked. It normally applies to our physical health, and we may be asked many times throughout our lives. When my tenth great-grandchild arrived in October, there were many times …( read more )

Each day when we awaken, we face a new beginning. If the day on the calendar is a 1, then that day is a new month. If it is January 1, then it is the beginning of a new year. 2020 is the start of a new decade. Each beginning comes with an …( read more )

Over the years, you have probably walked over many welcome mats at people's front doors. You may even have one of your own. The mat serves a practical purpose: to clean our footwear. But if it has on it the word "Welcome", it makes a …( read more )

For every gift, there is usually both a donor and a recipient. Normally, the donor willingly gives a possession and welcomes a positive and grateful response. If the recipient makes good use of the gift, it pleases the donor. If the …( read more )

It is said that we have only a brief time — minutes or even seconds — to make a good first impression. That may be true, but it is also true that we are continually making impressions, positive or negative, that last for a long time, …( read more )

A major USA bank has recently been running television advertisements with the theme, "I Can." It has caused me to think about how frequently we are tempted to add the three letters "n-o-t" after the word "can". In fact, it is so common …( read more )

It seems that from a young age until death, life is not very peaceful. We are continually being either pushed or pulled, sometimes by others and sometimes by our own desires. I was reminded of this recently when I listened to a number of …( read more )

Two things in life are certain. The first constant is change. From the time of birth, a baby is constantly facing change. Change is sometimes welcomed, but often, it is not. Like it or not, we continually face change. How often have …( read more )