Testosterone Towers stays home - Day 53

The 75th Anniversary of VE Day.
Bank Holiday Friday, just in case you weren't already confused as to what day it is.

I felt a bit achy when I woke this morning and wasn't sure why for a moment;
until I remembered I'd had a moonlit dip just before 10pm last night.


The Supermoon over Harlow

It's something I have done in the past with my Secret Mermaids group,
and although I'd rather be swimming with them in a lake, 
I took the opportunity to advertise my sponsored swim, and got some extra donations.

Testosterone Towers paused at 11am for the two minutes silence.
As I watched the footage of the children who were evacuated,
I found it quite moving to remember people who had attended our churches over the years,
who had been among their number.

So I made some coffee,
grabbed the phone and the visitors book,
and rang some of the older members of our congregation.
What a blessing they are.
Such a wealth of wisdom, stoicism, and humour.

A bit later I finished Margaret Silf's book, Soul Journey. She writes, 
"The journey will only proceed as it should if it is an intergenerational undertaking, 
with each generation contributing fully to the challenge - 
fully empowered, fully supported, fully trusted and fully respected"
On this day of all days, it feels right to acknowledge, and be grateful for the older generation.

The rest of the day has featured a 950m swim,
afternoon tea, and we're looking forward to a BBQ later.
I also had a video chat with a friend I met when I was 14, and moved with my family from Liverpool to London.
Thank the Lord for social media, and the gift of reconnection.

Tomorrow brings news about my swim, and a Weekend/Birthday challenge I'm going to do.
I could tell you today, but why should Boris be the only one to keep us all in suspense?

Hope you've had a good day.
Lots of love xx

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

20 years of ministry

I hadn't realised it myself. I'm not very good with dates, and years, and anniversaries. But yesterday my Facebook Timeline was full of it. It's 20 years since we were commissioned and ordained. 28th May 1993 at The Royal Albert Hall, London. As I listened to 'Our Songs' The ones written for us, and for the occasion I became a bit nostalgic. As I looked at the video And saw my friends and colleagues I almost felt a pang of grief For the people we were The things we shared. But this is a letter to the 25 yr old girl I was then From the woman I am now "You made it! By the skin of your teeth at times but you got there in the end. And this ending Full of brass, and drums, and singing and laughter and drama and dance is just the beginning. In the years ahead you will know joy Real joy Laughing so hard no sound comes out. Friendships that are only in their infancy here Will become your anchor in the days ahead. And people that ...
Read more

Five Minute Friday: Song

Image
It's our Silver Wedding Anniversary on Tuesday. 25 years. I told someone the other day and she gasped, and said, "You don't look old enough" Which is absolutely the right response. We're having a few friends over next Friday night to celebrate. There will be food And dancing And fun And song. 'Our song' to be precise. As we met in the 80's, Our song is 'Solid' (Ashford and Simpson). It's the song we used to dance to at parties. It's the song that made us laugh. It's the song we always talk about when reminiscing. Our 25 years together hasn't been perfect You won't be surprised to hear that. There has been much joyful song. But sometimes the notes have turned dischordant. Sometimes we've sung in a minor key. More recently we have sung songs of lament. But to mis-quote Gloria Gaynor We have survived. We're still standing (Elton John) And we're still singing from the same hymn ...
Read more

STOP! Look and listen.

I helped at Nathan's Christmas Fair yesterday. It was packed with excited children and exhausted parents, so pretty much business as usual. Do you ever want to scream STOP at this time of year? Enough. Too much already. Mum, my sister and I sorted out Dad's things on Tuesday. As we filled the car with bags for the charity shop it felt so final. A person's life contained in a car-load. STOP. Enough. Too much already. Today has been a better day. The sun has shone. The sky turned a brilliant blue after the snow showers. And I had a lovely coffee with Chris at the Garden Centre. As we were driving back I remembered the Advent challenge I gave our congregation a few years back. It came from the carol, 'It came upon the midnight clear', And the challenge was to 'Hush the noise, ye men (and women) of strife And hear the angels sing.' Or, STOP. Look for the reality of His presence in the madness of Christmas. Listen for Him. His ange...
Read more