When you get more than 400 people from 65 countries in a room - and throw in that they’re Baptists - you are amid a very diverse bunch. Difference is all around you - be it language, skin colour, dress, equity, cuisine, theology, worship style or preferred football code. And given we were meeting in … Continue reading The difference default
Gratitude
Getting off the slippery slope!
This year has been a tough one on my body, from managing expected spinal pain to unexpected salmonella hospitalisation. So, when I tested positive to lousy Covid again on Sunday, I was more than ready to accept an invite to my own personal pity party! I had good reason to grumble, I told myself. And quickly, … Continue reading Getting off the slippery slope!
Hope has a name!
Life may be very good for you today. You may be in full voice. And joyfully you may sing and shout, with all that is within you: “He is risen!” Or you may find yourself in a very different place. You may be trying to navigate the most testing of times. Your days seem hard. … Continue reading Hope has a name!
Until the storm passes!
“Chicken or the egg.” That’s my specialist’s best two guesses as to what has given me a very unexpected crash course in severe salmonella infection. It has been a tough and stretching week physically and emotionally, but hopefully I will be home in the next few days. And a sobering thought I will take with me; … Continue reading Until the storm passes!
He sees us!
She had lost her husband and now her only son. She is broken and weeping. Life is desperate. And then we read: “Jesus saw the woman”. He saw her! And his gut was moved with compassion. I never tire of reading these words. Jesus sees the desperate, young Palestinian woman, who has lost her two dearly loved … Continue reading He sees us!
The legacy we are writing today!
Father’s Day always reminds me of what matters most in life. It brings many cherished things to the front and centre of my mind, as well as challenges to ponder in my lifelong parenting apprenticeship. Today I breathe in deep and appreciate the sheer joy, privilege and delight of being a father. I celebrate the … Continue reading The legacy we are writing today!
We made it to here!
“But, if we made it to here, maybe we have everything it takes to make it to there?” While taking in the beauty of the Ligurian coastline over recent days, the words of Will Small’s wonderful, pandemic-season poem “We Made it to Here” have been on my mind. The line above came into my head as I … Continue reading We made it to here!
The beauty of St Dunstan’s
St Dunstan in the East church garden is a hidden London gem. I’m so glad I made a visit last week. And beyond its beauty and peacefulness, I will remember the garden as the place I got to road test the emergency call function on my watch. Yes, while taking photos and breathing in this … Continue reading The beauty of St Dunstan’s
So thankful for Old Tom!
As I walked through the streets of Oxford on Tuesday night I came across a classic, small English pub, simply named “Old Tom”. Suddenly my mind was full with memories of my wonderful grandfather Tom. It seemed very appropriate to step inside an enjoy an ale and remember my Tom! I can’t recall how my … Continue reading So thankful for Old Tom!
Painful but valuable lessons!
It’s almost been six months since I had spinal surgery. My hope was that the surgery would reduce, or even better, rid me of the pain I have been living with over recent years. My surgeon tells me that his intervention has significantly reduced my risk of experiencing paraplegia. Now that’s a big win, but … Continue reading Painful but valuable lessons!
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