More...

God has so much more for you...more of everything good in life...joy, peace, kindness, compassion...I see kindness continues to come up in my writing, over and over and over as it is one very basic component missing within an abusive relationship.

Kindness...goodness...the most basic of traits we extend to one another.

Kindness in opening a door, in a smile to that elderly man standing in line beside you, in a word of encouragement, in the shaking of a hand and inquiring about their day....

Kindness....may love pour from our lips, may good tidings light our way into and out of a room...may we be as the smell of warm, fresh baked bread, comforting as being in your grandmothers kitchen...may we stand, walk, speak in acceptance of all peoples no matter race, creed, religion, gender...love and acceptance for who they are no matter our own beliefs, respect and graciousness for where they stand in life.

This week has been a test, a stretching of the growth, of the healing begun in my life. Hordes of new faces, new personalities, new people with a tiny sprinkling of those I had met once at a trail building course we attended in Smithers. Good people, each one coming to where I sat to reconnect...the Manager for the North coming to engulf me in a bear hug, the young crew member coming to sit and chat...

I have been to many such meetings in my lifetime and by far this one taught me I should never expect cookie cutter scenarios. Down to earth Wildfire chiefs, Park Rangers, Fallers, techs, Rec crews with a small contingency of office people who keep the cog of the wheel moving behind the scenes.

I had moments...of feeling slightly overwhelmed by the 100+ people seated in a conference room within the Hotel.

I had moments...I overcame with a thought, with a prayer...I spoke truth, kindly...and kept quiet, kept thoughts to myself when wisdom whispered in my ear...I listened...I observed, perceived and was blessed in so many ways by Key Note Speakers and one on one conversations with the Manager who got me up the mountain...the sharing of heart and life story...

Dear treasures...these snap-shot moments sustain us....so many of the principles espoused by this group centred around sustainability, resilience and protection and I still sit today processing, taking in words that so closely mirror mine over these past months.

Resilience...the courage to continue on despite hardship, despite trauma that should drive us to our knees...walking it out in faith, in hope...doing the work necessary to grow for future generations, to leave a legacy for those who come behind.

Oh I am blessed, so blessed...at times inundated, saturated, undone, nerves strung as tight as a bow...and then God comes in like the warmest wind and gently blows the mind clear, the heart returns to normal rhythms and comfort rides in to save the moment, the day.

We are not done dear hearts...our story is not finished, or as JD Jakes says, 'we'd be six feet under.' While we live, while we still draw breath God has a plan, a direction for our lives.

Necessary...needed...someone out there - the gentleman next door, the mail lady who brings your correspondence every day, the woman sitting crying in the mall - need your words...need the comfort only someone who knows can bring...need your wisdom, your experience...

We have much to do my friends, each one of us.

Walk...speak your truth and stand tall, with confidence born of trials, tribulations, traumas. You have walked from the fire, escaped hell...take that strength, take that courage born from the ashes of who you once were and continue on...May God bless you, may He send His angels to protect your every step, your every decision.