The question I’m most often asked is “are you still happy here?” The here is in the Denbigh area and serving the local Pastoral Charge. Both Nick and I feel at home in Denbigh. We like the hills, lakes, and being away from the noise and traffic of the city. The people are caring and kind.
Small communities are close knit. I’m still learning where people live and who is related to whom. A family is created even if none exist.
The downside of living here is being on the eastern side of Toronto with much of the family living on the west side. The distance can be tough but not impossible.
There’s a test of faith that goes along with both sides of this coin. As a Minister there are boundaries that need to be maintained. Having a sense of what’s appropriate when I share from my personal life and when to phrase things in vague ways which can become very important in small communities.
Faith is tested too when you wish you were closer to the family; grandchildren and loved ones.
Where faith fails, doubt creeps in. Perhaps this is a normal part of living or aging. Preparing for meetings and weekly worship services I find myself digging deeper for answers and a sense of peace that comes from searching for the quiet centre.
How do you identify your faith? Does your faith grow during times of sorrow, fatigue, or uncertainty?
