Milk and Honey
Valparaiso, Chile, holds a number of buildings of a by-gone era, when ships rounding Cape Horn would stop on their journeys between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, bringing wealth and industry to the city. That infusion of life ceased suddenly in 1914 with the opening of the Panama Canal, and the great banks, shipping offices, and cathedrals of the city became like empty, hollow shells, architectural reminders of the city’s former glory.
One night in a dream I found myself in a vast, old, institutional building like this in Valparaiso. The dim light reflected dully on the worn marble floor, and the ceiling stretched up so high it was lost in darkness. I thought that the enormous space was empty until I noticed a kind of balcony, and walked up the stairs to find a large area filled with army cots. On the cots lay people in very poor condition—ill, tired, and broken. Walking amongst the cots I came upon my father. I knelt down to speak to him, and he told me, “Please bring me half a teaspoon of milk and half a teaspoon of honey.”
Moved to tears upon hearing this plea, I went back downstairs and out into the dark streets. I wandered here and there until I found a shop where I could get some milk and some honey. I brought them back to the big, old building, went back up the stairs and gave my father the half-teaspoon of milk and the half-teaspoon of honey. He took them gratefully, closed his eyes, and went to sleep.
This website is an attempt to provide to my father, and to anyone who may wish to find herein, half a teaspoon of milk and half a teaspoon of honey. It is dedicated to the memory of the Rev. Donald McIlvride and Mrs. Marjorie McIlvride, my parents. The thoughts and ideas expressed here, any words other than the sacred Scriptures, are based on my understanding of those Scriptures, and should be read with that in mind.
With Appreciation
For many years, the following individuals and organizations were helpful in deepening my knowledge and understanding of the Bible, and I am grateful for their input while developing the ideas presented in this website.
Maple Avenue Baptist Church Adult Bible Class, Georgetown, Ontario with special thanks to Janet Armstrong our teacher, and Rob Edwards, a kindred spirit.
Eden United Church New Paradigm class, Mississauga Ontario, with thanks to Rev. Barry King, former pastor.
The Baha’i Communities of Halton Hills, Erin, and Guelph, Ontario.
Elijah World Centre, Mississauga, Ontario, with thanks to Pastor Sean and Nicola Ramitt.
Don Boyd, Mississauga, Ontario, former paster and fellow Toastmaster.
Jonathan Lorzak, Brampton, Ontario, member and teacher for Jehovah’s Witnesses.