Tomorrow's challenge...

Joan, reading the "directions" - "Ruby Sunday"on the trail. 
40 years together...to the day! There's been lots of adventures! :)

We have several pieces of art that give have given great pleasure over the years...and great inspiration. Two are on the sidebar of this blog. One of them is a portrayal of Joan's yellow sea kayak in the Salish Sea, and the neighbouring Coastal Range of British Columbia. It was created by our good friend and stained glass artist, David, in Calgary.

The other, a fabric art created by two wonderful women, Evelyn and Joy, includes two sea kayaks against a back drop of the rising sun and the Southern Gulf Islands, near where we live on Vancouver Island.

A third piece was a gift from Joan on a "significant" birthday some years ago. It is titled "Tomorrow's Challenge" and is a painted exposed wood inlay by Canmore (Alberta) artist, Fraser McGurk. A mountaineer is seen to be looking up at the inviting summit of a distant mountain - you just know that the plan is to accept that challenge.

"Tomorrow's Challenge", an everyday reminder back home.

Yesterday was a rather special day, a "ruby" day you might say. I may be one of the few guys who had no idea that on your 40th wedding anniversary, an appropriate gift might be...um, a ruby. When I was briefed on that fact, thanks to the good folks here at St. Margaret's Parish, I opted instead for the "thrift" but far-more-fun option.

In lieu of a gem (expensive and rather dull in my mind), I suggested an awesome day out in the Scottish mountains. Much to my relief (but not my surprise), Joan accepted my anniversary "gift" with great enthusiasm! Gifts, after all, that work for both the giver and the receiver are absolutely the best! :)

It was the first real "wintry" day since arriving in Scotland just over two months ago, and with our days here now numbered, it was important to get some "elevation". We've been deeply touched by this rugged and ancient land and the warmth and kindness of its people. Since the beginning of time, people have sought out "high places" for the purpose of reflection and thanksgiving.

Winter had come to Loch Brandy...one of our most favourite places.

The snow-capped hills, with always the next one on the horizon, were reminiscent of "Tomorrow's Challenge", the artwork that hangs so clearly visible back home. It is so essential to have dreams and to welcome new challenges in life. The "same old, same old" may to some extent be comforting, but it doesn't lead to new discoveries, new growth, and new opportunities. Challenges help us discover who we are. The fact is, when we welcome new challenges in life, we are usually pleasantly surprised!

To look up, and into the challenges "tomorrow" will offer is to be drawn forward.

New challenges test us, stretch us, affirm us, remind us of how much is possible when we are willing to open the doors of the "boxes" that will always hem us in and limit our living. As for me, there have been times when I've shied away from certain challenges. I can honestly say that I have never felt good about that - there have only been regrets about what could have been learned and experienced - even through failure. Failure, after all, always offers important lessons beyond value.

We went up as far as we could before losing light. The view was amazing, the perspective refreshing, the challenge of the hill literally breath-taking, but exhilarating.

And it's always "forward" we must go.

Returning to the trailhead, the sun setting behind the high hills above the glen, we reflected on how essential it is that all people everywhere have the luxury of dreams and the ability to ponder with joyful anticipation each and every sunrise and what the next day will bring.

All too many in our world live lives constrained by the daily struggle to simply survive, until the next day comes. We must do better and work towards creating a world where all can dream...and grow...and be affirmed in anticipation of hopeful possibilities.

Following the setting sun, comes the star-filled night.
Sunrise always follows, with the promise of "tomorrow's challenge".

That, in itself, may be the most important "tomorrow's challenge" that we ever embrace.

From Arbroath, the "Birthplace of Scotland", on the edge of the North Sea,

Duncan.