Funeral (5 May)

The funeral was conducted by Frances Drake from St. Giles. It was a brilliant send-off. There were so many people from all sorts of different things that Dad was involved in. The little chapel was full and there were people standing and people who could not get in. Frances gave a good picture of the man I knew. It is so important that a good picture is given, and that the right values are presented - that way everyone has something they can take away - more than they came with. After the service, and meeting people outside, it was back to the football club (Billericay Town), where Dad spent so many Saturday afternoons. One of the tributes was left on the pitch, we should have a photo of that, at least, but we didn't take a camera. So now we talk about him, to keep our memories alive and at the front of our minds, while we try to get used to not having him around. A blog is not a fitting place for a tribute, it's not enduring enough. There will be other tributes and memorials that will last longer. I'll note them as and when ...

Sad Times - Ramblings

As you may have read, we have sadly lost my wife's father. It's a very strange time, between a death and a funeral. Somehow you're busy, but don't want to be. Somehow time drags, life is on hold. You can't say your goodbye's, and you don't want to, but you must. You also begin to see the important from the trivial, I expect we'll get back to 'normal' soon. I've sat in quiet with the TV off, I've ignored things I usually make space to watch. Work seems like a distraction. Prayer was difficult in the shock of the moment - the anger at the sufferings of a loved one - the anger at the unnecessary loss. Prayer is easier now, worship is easier now - it will get better. We've seen God work some amazing timings - things have just worked out. There are messages we need to hear, and I was especially pleased to hear the sermon in Glenwood church last Sunday. Moses had to wait for God's time to complete his mission - he was given a second chance. I'm in my second chance, and it's remarkably like the first time round!! Some things require concentration - my studies, my talk for Sunday week - so best get to it and stop blogging.

Started!

Saturday, So we have finally started. It's been a long wait from the end of CCS, through selection until now. Last Saturday was kick-off day, and we have picked up six books. They are relatively slim, not the doorstops we had to look at when I tried this last time, 12 or 13 years ago. So we're off, but what to do? Well, that has to wait for the opening tutor group meeting, which is currently scheduled for next Monday, but not confirmed yet. I'm still impatient and want to get going, but before then I have other things to think about. Preparing the talk for Alpha, "How does God guide?", is going to keep me occupied, as is preparing the notes for Advent for the preachers.  

Sunday, What an early start, I was tired all day. It was worth it to see Räikkönen pass Fisichella on the last lap to take the race and save his team 4 points. Well worth a whole day of tiredness. The afternoon was uncle Albert's 90th, and a good time was had by all. Now I've met the relatives on my father-in-law's side of the family again, worked out who they all are, and somehow invited them to my 50th party (considering we weren't drunk, how DID that happen?). Still, I had a good time playing with Jude, who, like all tiny boys, just loves pretending to be on a fairground ride. Also met Mark's grandad at this event, and had a nice little chat about our youth worker. It's a small world.  

Tuesday As both the girls would say "God is good". I've been praying for help with the reader training and the problems I have with evening meetings. Just how am I going to find a couple of hours of peace and quiet to study, prepare, write, re-write, or just reflect? Not easy when there are evening meetings 3 out of 5 days. Never mind, there are discussions about possible reorganization at work, and I'm in line for a UK based role, if it happens. Sounds like an answer to prayer - not the one I was expecting, certainly, but it delivers what's required.  

Things to look forward to Next week I'm on holiday. No great plans, just a rest, and some catching up. Hopefully I'll get to see Forgotten Empire: The World Of Ancient Persia and The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.