April 15th - Pastoral Ponderings

I am writing these Ponderings on April 15^th, and there is a skiff of fresh snow on the ground.  Our niece sent us pictures of a recent visit her family made to Butchart Gardens near Victoria.  The sun was shining, the flowers were blooming and spring was clearly in the air.  This time of year a part of me longs for the resurrection of spring.  Yet on the Prairies, including in Edmonton, I am always amazed that when it rains or even when it snows, people often say, “Well, you know we really need the moisture!”

It also ways amazes me that two people can see or hear the same thing, and come up with completely different, even opposing, perceptions.  Some people in Alberta were thrilled when the bills passed the Alberta legislature that restricted medical care for transgender youth and gave parents absolute control over the care their child receives, and the pronouns and names by which they are called.  Others, including myself, had the opposite reaction.  We see the laws as draconian and are concerned about the harm these laws are doing and will do to transgender youth. 

Seeing things differently is the blessing and curse of being human and living among other humans.  Sitting on the Ethics Committee years ago at Vancouver General Hospital, I was frequently amazed to observe health care professionals who had the capacity to fully comprehend, understand and even appreciate arguments that were diametrically opposed.  I believe it is a gift to be able to comprehend and even respect a perspective that is very different from your own.  I also think that as people of faith, we are called to stand up for compassion and justice, to give voice to those who have no voice, and to work to build a society where all people, including the young and the old, are valued and respected.

Shalom,

Rev. Dr. Dale Johnson