Earth is crammed with heaven

I had a tooth out today. It wasn’t expected  But rather than wait and see, I decided it was best to just get rid. Today’s word is Repent. Maybe the time has come to stop messing about. Putting up with pain. Deadening the discomfort  And maybe deal with stuff in our lives that shouldn’t be there. Maybe it’s time to accept who we are. Imperfect but dearly loved. Everything can be redeemed. Trust me, I know. And as for the photo, This, boys and girls, is what happens  when you eat too much sugar. (Post-op. Still numb.)

Following on from yesterday’s post; The reality was much better than expected. I came away with more blessings  than I gave. Isn’t that often the way with Sacrifice? Sometimes it’s just our willingness to say yes that’s the hard part.

I’ve been a Church Leader for almost 26 years now. Over the years the role has varied a bit. Responsibilities have changed. Some things are now “a requirement for officers “ That weren’t when I signed up. And some things I no longer do in an effort to prevent the ‘boom or bust’ of living with depression for all of those years. I work and live within strict boundaries Parts of my role that were once as familiar as my breath Are now rare. One of our congregation is dying. I haven’t visited since her diagnosis. My partner in life, crime and ministry has been every week. He’s good like that. Today we will go to the hospice together. I want to see her. Even though I have little to offer her. We go. In the footprints  of countless ministers of religion  all over the world To be present. To share scripture. To pray words of life as the days of her life draw to a close. I can be present  because the one who ...

Would you have chosen  1. To swim  twice a month through the winter? 2. For a total of at least 5000m? 3. In temperatures between 1-8 degrees? If you ended up with the best medal ever? Yes I know I look a bit special in the photo. But I’ve only ever won one medal before. I was never chosen for sports teams as a child. So I’m quite pleased with myself.

We praised her for being good on that day. She didn’t bark Or chase the ball Or run to Nathan on the pitch. In truth, she didn’t behave like a dog at all. I guess she wanted to please us. I wonder If being ‘good’ means repressing who we are. If it means conforming to people’s expectations. Toning everything back or down. Maybe being ‘good’ is overrated. Maybe what we should be aiming for is  Truth  Honesty Genuineness  We do ourselves a disservice when we aren’t true to ourselves. When we strive to be the person others would like us to be. After all  ‘Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty’ (Matilda the Musical )

The offer came out of the blue. Not quite our heart's desire, but pretty close. We weighed up the pros and cons, but if we were after a bespoke dog, this one was perfect. A little girl. A coat that wouldn't make me sneeze. Up-to-date vaccinations. House-trained. And free! It's our 4th Daisy-versary today. She brings me so much joy I can't tell you. We love her. And..... She's so cute!

It’s possible to accomplish things. Even if you think you’ve nothing left. It may not be abseiling 70ft off Black Rock  But the little things? Those things that take  Strength  Courage  Resilience  Persistence  Pure grit and determination  Those things that take all you have? I know how hard it is. I see you. I hear you. I’m standing with you.  I’m praying for you. May the God of hope  fill you with all joy and peace  as you trust in Him. (Romans 15:13)