Well it certainly has been the most interesting of times to have been hidden away. The three months went by a lot quicker than we could have ever anticipated and we are deeply grateful for the time we had to lay low, recalibrate and rest. As we slinked into the shadows COVID was in full swing, the protests both south and north of the border had begun while both Canada and the US were trying to find their political equilibrium.

Hmmm. Not much has changed. As much as our current challenges will remain the same for some time, so too the grounding of our faith.

One step at a time. The extraordinary ordinary.

Because of God's tender mercy
The morning light from heaven is about to break upon us
To give light to those who sit in darkness
And in the shadow of death
And to guide us to the path of peace
Luke 1:78 NLT

This promise helps sustain us as a people of pilgrimage. On this journey here will be inevitable twists and turns in the path of life.

The Son of God sent on a mission of mercy by His tender loving compassionate Father, and steps into our "ordinary" reality with its shadows, its suffering, its joys and its mystery. He walks with us. His Presence.

We are learning the power of presence in these times. Discovering fresh ways to connect in the midst of social distancing, polarized opining and the new normal that impacts pretty much every aspect of work, society and culture.  Just as He is present, we are learning to be present to the one who is mourning, carrying hope and peace to the one who is bewildered and anxious, celebrating with the one who is stepping into a new beginning and shouldering up to the one who is weary in well doing.

Our role is simple. Keep shining into the shadowy places of all those we encounter along this journey. Light. Presence. Guidance. Keep being faithful to the "main and the plain" as our friend John Wimber used to say.  It is really is ok to be extraordinary ordinary.

Much love,
David and Anita Ruis