A friend's Facebook status expresses some of my sentiment from my last post. Thanks Beth Barnett for words that speak my own heart.
"All you logicians and explainers,
apologists and rationalists
keep your silence, this one day
algorhythmicists, hold your genius aside
Dare you explain the logic of the death of God?
Dare you rationalize the holy broken?
Dare you set a price on the head of Christ?
Dare you analogize the rawest disgrace, the hideous pitiful suffering -
with a scale, a law, a code, a currency, a formula?
Dare you construct a frame in which all this terror, abuse, betrayal, evil, malevolent injustice, pain and death make sense?
Shut up – just this once – please.
Let us gape at the senselessness
How else but that we see the senselessness of suffering
the senselessness of sin,
will we ever stop our rationalizing of our own corruption?
how else will we ever have our heart of sense restored?
Or even know our needfulness of it…"
Friday, April 06, 2012
Why did Jesus die?
It's Good Friday. I wonder what your reflections are today?
And I wonder how you would answer a 3 year old wondering about the meaning of today, asking "Why did Jesus die?"
As I read Steve's post about his response to this question, I felt relieved. Relieved to read a simple yet not simplistic response to this question; relieved to have a simple yet broad understanding explored in the midst of understandings of this day being so narrow in so many circles.
I find myself ever more thankful for the implications of Jesus' death (and life and resurrection), yet more sure that no one understanding of this amazing action goes anywhere close to doing it justice. And more and more frustrated by presentations and understandings that only represent and form people in one perspective of the many theological understandings that are around.
Today, I'm trying to put this annoyance aside in order to stand in gratitude - for the things I understand and the things beyond my understanding. I have no doubt of the importance and impact of this act.
It silences me, it grieves me, it releases me, it frees me, it begs me on, it calls me to follow in laying down my life.
And the implications are not just for me (or any individual) - it has implications for the whole cosmos.
Death that is about life.
A death that re-orientates.
A death by a person who takes so much on and into himself.
A death that is about so much more ...
A person whose action of love is oh so complete.
Thanks that is lost for words.
And I wonder how you would answer a 3 year old wondering about the meaning of today, asking "Why did Jesus die?"
As I read Steve's post about his response to this question, I felt relieved. Relieved to read a simple yet not simplistic response to this question; relieved to have a simple yet broad understanding explored in the midst of understandings of this day being so narrow in so many circles.
I find myself ever more thankful for the implications of Jesus' death (and life and resurrection), yet more sure that no one understanding of this amazing action goes anywhere close to doing it justice. And more and more frustrated by presentations and understandings that only represent and form people in one perspective of the many theological understandings that are around.
Today, I'm trying to put this annoyance aside in order to stand in gratitude - for the things I understand and the things beyond my understanding. I have no doubt of the importance and impact of this act.
It silences me, it grieves me, it releases me, it frees me, it begs me on, it calls me to follow in laying down my life.
And the implications are not just for me (or any individual) - it has implications for the whole cosmos.
Death that is about life.
A death that re-orientates.
A death by a person who takes so much on and into himself.
A death that is about so much more ...
A person whose action of love is oh so complete.
Thanks that is lost for words.
Book: Singled Out
There are not many books written about the issue of singleness - and many of the ones that are around are cringeworthy! Having read about this book over year ago through a review that Tamie did on her blog, I've been keen to have a read.
Singled Out: Why Celibacy Must Be Reinvented in Today's Church is a book worth reading. The authors (two single women) are mature and honest in the way they approach the topic and look at both Christian culture and general society's view of celibacy. They do a good job of critiquing myths around the issue and in building some alternative frameworks. Definitely a good read for both single and married people, as it's as much a book for the whole church as for single people. However, I reckon single people in their thirties and older would particularly find it a refreshing read.
Have a look at Tamie's post for a more thorough review.
Singled Out: Why Celibacy Must Be Reinvented in Today's Church is a book worth reading. The authors (two single women) are mature and honest in the way they approach the topic and look at both Christian culture and general society's view of celibacy. They do a good job of critiquing myths around the issue and in building some alternative frameworks. Definitely a good read for both single and married people, as it's as much a book for the whole church as for single people. However, I reckon single people in their thirties and older would particularly find it a refreshing read.
Have a look at Tamie's post for a more thorough review.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Mastering by Going Through the Motions
This piece by Alison Sampson speaks to some things that I've been thinking about and living into on my journey. Through reflection on her experience of playing hide and seek with her children, Alison reflects on what else she might master by going through the motions.
I have been reflecting on who I want to be and how I continue to become that person. I think it often feels like we are going through the motions when we enter into actions that are aligned with the person that we are becoming.
I have been reflecting on who I want to be and how I continue to become that person. I think it often feels like we are going through the motions when we enter into actions that are aligned with the person that we are becoming.
Monday, March 05, 2012
Trust in God
TRUST IN GOD
Above all, trust in the slow work of God.
We are, quite naturally, impatient in everything to reach the end without delay.
We should like to skip the intermediate stages.
We are impatient of being on the way to something unknown, something new.
And yet it is the law of all progress that it is made by passing through some stages of instability . . .
And that it may take a very long time.
And so I think it is with you.
Your ideas mature gradually; let them grow, let them shape themselves without undue haste.
Don’t try to force them on,
as though you could today (become) what time (that is, grace and circumstances acting on your own goodwill) will make tomorrow.
as though you could today (become) what time (that is, grace and circumstances acting on your own goodwill) will make tomorrow.
Only God could say what this new spirit gradually forming within you will be.
Give our Lord the benefit of your believing that his hand is leading you,
and of your accepting the anxiety of feeling yourself in suspense and incomplete.
and of your accepting the anxiety of feeling yourself in suspense and incomplete.
Teilhard de Chardin
(Priest and paleontologist, written during WW11 where he chose to serve on the front as a stretcher bearer.)
Sunday, February 26, 2012
The Cost of Non-Discipleship
A friend regularly comments to me that she is convinced that it's no harder to choose well, in lines with discipleship, than to choose in unhealthy ways; we just pay the cost in different ways and at different times. Given this repeated conversation, I was struck by this great blog post. The post speaks about someone's paraphrase of Dallas Willard in words that speak so strongly of what has been God's statement to me for some time now: “If you think it’s hard being a disciple of Christ, you should try living the other way.”
Saturday, February 04, 2012
One Thing Remains
On yet another long drive, I was listening to the song "One Thing Remains" this afternoon and reflecting on it as one of the key songs of the last year. While many other things have changed, one thing remains: God's love. It's been a precious year of having a deeper lived understanding of that as once again much else has changed. I wouldn't trade that lived understanding and knowledge for the world.
Sunday, January 01, 2012
Getting to the Core
How do you know the core of the message you are trying to communicate?
That's a question that I have been pondering in numerous guises over recent times. As I ponder, I'm conscious that it feels hard to work out the core of what you are trying to communicate - it feels like it's often too hard in fact.
But I'm reinforced in the belief that it is important.
Ideas that stick according to Dan and Chip Heath are ones that are simple (though often profound): they get to the core and are compact.
So if the ideas that I'm wanting to communicate matter then I need to do the work to get to the core and communicate that core in a way that is compact.
That's a question that I have been pondering in numerous guises over recent times. As I ponder, I'm conscious that it feels hard to work out the core of what you are trying to communicate - it feels like it's often too hard in fact.
But I'm reinforced in the belief that it is important.
Ideas that stick according to Dan and Chip Heath are ones that are simple (though often profound): they get to the core and are compact.
So if the ideas that I'm wanting to communicate matter then I need to do the work to get to the core and communicate that core in a way that is compact.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Present or Future Self?
How many of us use commitment devices of some kind in order to help us choose the things we want to choose? One such commitment device is stickK.
Here is a great TED talk that recognises the benefit of commitment devices but explores some alternative ways of helping behaviour change that involves imagining our future selves dependent on what choices we make today as our present selves. Motivating and helps us understand at a deep level the connection between the choices we make today and the people we will be or what we will have in the future.
Here is a great TED talk that recognises the benefit of commitment devices but explores some alternative ways of helping behaviour change that involves imagining our future selves dependent on what choices we make today as our present selves. Motivating and helps us understand at a deep level the connection between the choices we make today and the people we will be or what we will have in the future.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
The Prodigal God - by Tim Keller
I recently read the book "The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith" by Timothy Keller. It was a great and easy read; though challenging to the core.
As you can probably guess, the book is based on the story of the two sons, often spoken of as The Prodigal Son story. This story always helps me continue to grasp the Father's heart and who I am and the Father's embrace of me. Over the last couple of years I've been in numerous situations where this story has been at the fore: considering Henri Nouwen's book last year in my faith community gathering and also having a print of the picture based on this story in my workplace last year. The story has shaped me deeply over recent years.
This book refreshed much of that shaping - and shaped me afresh too. A few points of Keller's book that stood out to me were: an emphasis on who the hearers of this story were (a mixed group of listeners); the emphasis on the eldest sons lostness as well as the lostness of the younger son; the fact that the story ends with us not knowing how the story really ends; the Father's initiative in coming out to both sons. However, the thing that really struck me was Keller's exploration of Jesus as the "true elder brother" and the cost to the elder brother of the Father's welcoming home of the younger son. This exploration has left me pondering - and thankful.
As you can probably guess, the book is based on the story of the two sons, often spoken of as The Prodigal Son story. This story always helps me continue to grasp the Father's heart and who I am and the Father's embrace of me. Over the last couple of years I've been in numerous situations where this story has been at the fore: considering Henri Nouwen's book last year in my faith community gathering and also having a print of the picture based on this story in my workplace last year. The story has shaped me deeply over recent years.
This book refreshed much of that shaping - and shaped me afresh too. A few points of Keller's book that stood out to me were: an emphasis on who the hearers of this story were (a mixed group of listeners); the emphasis on the eldest sons lostness as well as the lostness of the younger son; the fact that the story ends with us not knowing how the story really ends; the Father's initiative in coming out to both sons. However, the thing that really struck me was Keller's exploration of Jesus as the "true elder brother" and the cost to the elder brother of the Father's welcoming home of the younger son. This exploration has left me pondering - and thankful.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Formational Children's Ministry by Ivy Beckwith
Ivy Beckwith is one of the people writing about children's ministry currently whose ideas I most resonate with. Having read this book over the last few days, I would highly recommend it to anyone who has a role with children.
The title "Formational Children's Ministry: shaping children using story, ritual and relationships"is a very good descriptor of the book. The key idea of the book is the formation of children (as opposed to giving children knowledge). In discussing this formation, the book discusses the importance of story (God's story, their story, our family story, the story of the church through the ages and the individual faith community story), the importance of ritual and the importance of different types of relationships.
There are some good practical examples about how to engage story, ritual and relationships in the formation of children and it's a book with a balanced understanding of the role of family and the role of the faith community in the formation of children. Another thing that I thought that Ivy does really well is speak across a broad range of expressions of "church" - broad evangelical, liturgical and emerging.
Without spelling it out constantly, the book also has a solid understanding of the current context of today's children, families and churches. One of my favourite quotes from the book embodies this understanding:
"The millennials and futuristic adaptives, the two generations we currently teach in our churches, are not primarily linear thinkers. They do think logically and linearly, but it is not the only way they think, and it is not necessarily their preferred way of processing information. Therefore, lessons that are heavily dependent on linear thinking are not going to capture them the same as lessons that include kinesthetic, intuitive, affective, and 'loopy' ways of processing information." (p28)
Parents, people involved in children's ministry, ministers, teachers, friends of kids - I highly recommend it!
The title "Formational Children's Ministry: shaping children using story, ritual and relationships"is a very good descriptor of the book. The key idea of the book is the formation of children (as opposed to giving children knowledge). In discussing this formation, the book discusses the importance of story (God's story, their story, our family story, the story of the church through the ages and the individual faith community story), the importance of ritual and the importance of different types of relationships.
There are some good practical examples about how to engage story, ritual and relationships in the formation of children and it's a book with a balanced understanding of the role of family and the role of the faith community in the formation of children. Another thing that I thought that Ivy does really well is speak across a broad range of expressions of "church" - broad evangelical, liturgical and emerging.
Without spelling it out constantly, the book also has a solid understanding of the current context of today's children, families and churches. One of my favourite quotes from the book embodies this understanding:
"The millennials and futuristic adaptives, the two generations we currently teach in our churches, are not primarily linear thinkers. They do think logically and linearly, but it is not the only way they think, and it is not necessarily their preferred way of processing information. Therefore, lessons that are heavily dependent on linear thinking are not going to capture them the same as lessons that include kinesthetic, intuitive, affective, and 'loopy' ways of processing information." (p28)
Parents, people involved in children's ministry, ministers, teachers, friends of kids - I highly recommend it!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
The Amazing South of WA
A lovely couple of days.
On Tuesday morning, my friend Kylie and I left Perth and drove to Bremer Bay. A very wet drive. The initial purpose of this trip is for me to see the locations of the Family Missions that happen around WA over summer. That meant that we went via Brookton in the wheatbelt - check out the sites that the mission use and got a sense of the town. I'm increasingly conscious that there are things you just can't know without seeing a place for yourself - it's so valuable. Then a late lunch at Stumpy's Roadhouse - we've said that "roadhouses are our friend"! Then the long drive to Bremer Bay.
We stopped in Katanning for a quick walk and Kylie was impressed with the friendliness of the locals driving past in utes! We spent some time trying to work out whether we needed to eat there - or whether we would make it to Bremer Bay in time for the restaurant at the place we were staying. A phone call to the place we were staying indicated that they thought we would make it. We followed there advice - and made it in plenty of time. But it is a consideration that I am learning to regularly take into account in my WA life, even more so outside of Perth.
Bremer Bay Resort more than met our expectations. After settling into our room, we went into the restaurant and ordered dinner - lamb shanks for me, lamb curry for Kylie; glass of white wine for Kylie, glass of red for me. Very satisfying. TV / Computer time / Sleep followed.
As we woke up on Wednesday and opened the blind, we were greeted by a clear morning and a view of the local river. After packing the car, we headed up for breakfast at the restaurant - the best breakfast I have ever had! Eggs Florentine.
On Tuesday morning, my friend Kylie and I left Perth and drove to Bremer Bay. A very wet drive. The initial purpose of this trip is for me to see the locations of the Family Missions that happen around WA over summer. That meant that we went via Brookton in the wheatbelt - check out the sites that the mission use and got a sense of the town. I'm increasingly conscious that there are things you just can't know without seeing a place for yourself - it's so valuable. Then a late lunch at Stumpy's Roadhouse - we've said that "roadhouses are our friend"! Then the long drive to Bremer Bay.
We stopped in Katanning for a quick walk and Kylie was impressed with the friendliness of the locals driving past in utes! We spent some time trying to work out whether we needed to eat there - or whether we would make it to Bremer Bay in time for the restaurant at the place we were staying. A phone call to the place we were staying indicated that they thought we would make it. We followed there advice - and made it in plenty of time. But it is a consideration that I am learning to regularly take into account in my WA life, even more so outside of Perth.
Bremer Bay Resort more than met our expectations. After settling into our room, we went into the restaurant and ordered dinner - lamb shanks for me, lamb curry for Kylie; glass of white wine for Kylie, glass of red for me. Very satisfying. TV / Computer time / Sleep followed.
As we woke up on Wednesday and opened the blind, we were greeted by a clear morning and a view of the local river. After packing the car, we headed up for breakfast at the restaurant - the best breakfast I have ever had! Eggs Florentine.
I chatted to a friend while we ate; Kylie read some of her book. We then talked for a couple of hours while sitting in a lovely spot.
Eventually we got moving. And checked out the beach in Bremer Bay.
As we drove around the town we came across a "Barbara St". Of course, I needed to take a photo. Kylie suggested that it was a sign ... a sign of what? It would be a pretty good place to live! We resisted taking the sign!
Once we were finished with the township we headed out to the caravan park out of town. This is the place that the mission team stay at - and part of my purpose on this trip is to check out such places. The owner and staff were friendly and clearly appreciative of the teams presence there in January. They also proved to be our tourist information - and pointed us in the direction of beaches to check out before we left the area - and recommendations for our next few days as we continued around the coast. Before we left the Bremer Bay area we headed down to Blossom Beach which the owner of the caravan park had recommended to us.
Next on our journey was Cheynes Beach. A very small isolated place - where a mission team is over summer. We connected with the caravan park owner - who once again was helpful. And after checking out the location of where they run the program in January, we headed down to the beach.
We walked along the beach - wanting to have a closer look at a boat that was on the water.
We couldn't have chosen a better time to be on the beach. Sunset - and such beauty.
And in the midst of that - a gorgeous photo opportunity.
As I look at that sunset - and reflect on what such beauty draws out of me, I'm reminded of the rainbows that we saw on the trip yesterday. A few different occasions we saw rainbows - on an occasion we could see the whole of a rainbow, another time we could see part of a double rainbow - special and a reminder of God's faithfulness.
Life is breathtaking. We saw and experienced many moments of such life yesterday and arrived into Albany tired from both days of driving but satisfied and having had a relaxing and fun day of exploring - as well as great interactions with staff of the caravan parks missions are connected with and gaining an understanding of the context they are ministering in.
No question - it was a day of experiencing the wonder of God's awesome creation.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Impact of death
Death impacts us.
A week ago a friend of mine died.
Not someone I saw regularly.
But someone who was/is of importance to me.
Someone who is part of my history.
We have lived in separate places for most of our lives but our paths have crossed enough for connections to have continued. We met as children on Groote Eylandt. One of my clearest memories of her from that era was when I was 13 and was baptised and confirmed in October 1988. That night I stayed at Angurugu at her families place. At a lonely time in my life - she was a friend.
Some years later (1997), in what felt like another lifetime, I was at a national conference for an organisation that I was a volunteer with (and now work for) and there was Krysti, also heavily involved with this organisation. That week established our connection as adults - and people who cared passionately about our faith and seeing young people connect with and find real the person of Jesus. We also had some deep personal conversations around some of life history which also brought us closer. There was also some late nights of fun!
About 5 years later, Krysti came to Melbourne (where I lived at the time) to study at Bible College. Again connections continued. Not frequent but several during her time in Melbourne - enough to continue the friendship and the sense of connection around a shared history and shared passions in the present. And again a sense of fun.
Krysti returned to Darwin. Facebook continued our connection. And then in 2009 my uncle was seriously ill in Darwin - and Krysti once again was a friend, at a time when that is so what I needed. As soon as she heard, she showed her care and arranged for me to stay with her parents. She (and her family) had me over for dinner and we once again shared some significant moments of conversation - in the midst of one of the most stressful weeks of my life. Her presence, her actions and our conversations continued to help me be grounded in the One who was her, and my, source of hope and peace.
And now she has died. A journey of 18 months or so. A husband and two children. A life that has been well lived. A life that has been lived with passion. A strong sense by people close to her that she is now with the One she most loved. Deep grief for many who knew her - especially those closest.
I've felt the distance this last week.
I'm in Perth; I wanted to be in Darwin.
I've been thankful that I've been working in an organisation where a few people know of her - and know of her death. There is something about that connection that makes it easier.
I've been very conscious of those who are the closest people to her - having known something of deep grief myself, they have not been far from my thoughts and prayers this last week.
I've also been conscious of how death affects us - from whatever the point of our relationship to a person. For each of us the story is different. But its impact is profound - and not necessarily just for the closest. For me this week, I've felt a sense of isolation and disconnection - as I grieve the passing from this life of a friend who has shared some significant moments and have no co-grievers around me. There has been a deep sense of feeling for her family and those others closest to her. Along with that, there has been a thankfulness for her life full of faith, hope and passion and once again grief has plunged me into living fully in the moment that I find myself and being fully myself - embracing faith, hope and passion in the place that I find myself. Once again, I experience the journey of grief which embraces the "both/and" of such different emotions and thoughts and I find myself know something of the mysterious comfort of the "God of all comfort" and praying that those closest are also experiencing something of that comfort.
A week ago a friend of mine died.
Not someone I saw regularly.
But someone who was/is of importance to me.
Someone who is part of my history.
We have lived in separate places for most of our lives but our paths have crossed enough for connections to have continued. We met as children on Groote Eylandt. One of my clearest memories of her from that era was when I was 13 and was baptised and confirmed in October 1988. That night I stayed at Angurugu at her families place. At a lonely time in my life - she was a friend.
Some years later (1997), in what felt like another lifetime, I was at a national conference for an organisation that I was a volunteer with (and now work for) and there was Krysti, also heavily involved with this organisation. That week established our connection as adults - and people who cared passionately about our faith and seeing young people connect with and find real the person of Jesus. We also had some deep personal conversations around some of life history which also brought us closer. There was also some late nights of fun!
About 5 years later, Krysti came to Melbourne (where I lived at the time) to study at Bible College. Again connections continued. Not frequent but several during her time in Melbourne - enough to continue the friendship and the sense of connection around a shared history and shared passions in the present. And again a sense of fun.
Krysti returned to Darwin. Facebook continued our connection. And then in 2009 my uncle was seriously ill in Darwin - and Krysti once again was a friend, at a time when that is so what I needed. As soon as she heard, she showed her care and arranged for me to stay with her parents. She (and her family) had me over for dinner and we once again shared some significant moments of conversation - in the midst of one of the most stressful weeks of my life. Her presence, her actions and our conversations continued to help me be grounded in the One who was her, and my, source of hope and peace.
And now she has died. A journey of 18 months or so. A husband and two children. A life that has been well lived. A life that has been lived with passion. A strong sense by people close to her that she is now with the One she most loved. Deep grief for many who knew her - especially those closest.
I've felt the distance this last week.
I'm in Perth; I wanted to be in Darwin.
I've been thankful that I've been working in an organisation where a few people know of her - and know of her death. There is something about that connection that makes it easier.
I've been very conscious of those who are the closest people to her - having known something of deep grief myself, they have not been far from my thoughts and prayers this last week.
I've also been conscious of how death affects us - from whatever the point of our relationship to a person. For each of us the story is different. But its impact is profound - and not necessarily just for the closest. For me this week, I've felt a sense of isolation and disconnection - as I grieve the passing from this life of a friend who has shared some significant moments and have no co-grievers around me. There has been a deep sense of feeling for her family and those others closest to her. Along with that, there has been a thankfulness for her life full of faith, hope and passion and once again grief has plunged me into living fully in the moment that I find myself and being fully myself - embracing faith, hope and passion in the place that I find myself. Once again, I experience the journey of grief which embraces the "both/and" of such different emotions and thoughts and I find myself know something of the mysterious comfort of the "God of all comfort" and praying that those closest are also experiencing something of that comfort.
Friday, April 08, 2011
Centering Prayer
I so often find the things on Paul Fromont's blog helpful and interesting - and often points me in the direction of various resources, books and articles. This is another post like that.
I loved this statement which is from Paul's notes in reflecting on Cynthia Bourgeault. So true of my experience.
"Centering prayer “patterns us” over time. It reprogram’s us to “let go” and to be “open”. It wires new channels of perception that enable us “to see the lines connecting the dots”; to “extend hospitality and hold together what are typically held as opposites; one over and against another!"
I loved this statement which is from Paul's notes in reflecting on Cynthia Bourgeault. So true of my experience.
"Centering prayer “patterns us” over time. It reprogram’s us to “let go” and to be “open”. It wires new channels of perception that enable us “to see the lines connecting the dots”; to “extend hospitality and hold together what are typically held as opposites; one over and against another!"
SUNO blog
I am actually blogging a bit now - much more over on the SUNO blog connected with Scripture Union WA where I'm now working. You might like to put that blog in your feed reader or look at it occasionally - however you read your blogs! As I'm writing on that blog, I'm having all sorts of ideas that don't fit the scope of that blog - so I suspect that it will actually mean a decent amount more blogging on this blog too. Loosely speaking - things to do with missional living or missional leadership style things will be on the SUNO blog, with other things on here.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Today is a New Day
This year I've been part of a gathering where we spend an hour each week doing 4 different spiritual exercises. In our last 6 week cycle, journalling was one of these. Here's a poem I wrote a few weeks ago:
Today is a new day
It's a brand new day
The breaking of the dawn
The coming of the new.
New adventures
New horizons
Life as we know it
Is left behind for good.
The future ahead
Possibilities abound
Trust is nurtured
And embraced.
It's anew day
New challenges
Life to be lived
Love to be loved.
Look forward
Not back
The world beckons
Respond with all of yourself.
Today is a new day
A day to be thankful for
Life to be lived
A day to live to the fullest.
Leave yesterday behind
It has shaped you
But there is no more to be done there
Today is the only day you can do anything about.
What is it that must be done today?
That is different from yesterday
And different from tomorrow.
What is the invitation for today?
Just today, not tomorrow
Not bound up in yesterday
Just today.
Today is a new day
It's a brand new day
The breaking of the dawn
The coming of the new.
New adventures
New horizons
Life as we know it
Is left behind for good.
The future ahead
Possibilities abound
Trust is nurtured
And embraced.
It's anew day
New challenges
Life to be lived
Love to be loved.
Look forward
Not back
The world beckons
Respond with all of yourself.
Today is a new day
A day to be thankful for
Life to be lived
A day to live to the fullest.
Leave yesterday behind
It has shaped you
But there is no more to be done there
Today is the only day you can do anything about.
What is it that must be done today?
That is different from yesterday
And different from tomorrow.
What is the invitation for today?
Just today, not tomorrow
Not bound up in yesterday
Just today.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Excitement around a Female PM
As the week in Australian politics has unfolded, I've watched people around me be excited about the first female PM in Australia, whatever they think of how it came about. I'm not unhappy about it - but the whole issue of women being in significant roles just doesn't fill me with excitement. And that has had me pondering - why is that? Alongside that I have numerous people around me who are very conscious of these issues in many areas of society - so I have much reason to ponder why these issues are not overly present for me.
As I've pondered this week, I think it's due to a strong belief that women can and will be in those roles and a sense of taking it for granted, even though it's physically never happened before. There is a sense in me of "of course, what's the big deal".
I do see that these issues are real in our society but there is a very real sense that they are not overly present for me ... thanks to all sorts of things in who I am and my upbringing.
As I've pondered this week, I think it's due to a strong belief that women can and will be in those roles and a sense of taking it for granted, even though it's physically never happened before. There is a sense in me of "of course, what's the big deal".
I do see that these issues are real in our society but there is a very real sense that they are not overly present for me ... thanks to all sorts of things in who I am and my upbringing.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Transitions
Transitions. Interesting times. When we go through transitions, it's not just us going through them. They impact those around us. They impact our relationships. They impact our inner world. They impact our time. They impact our energy. They impact all around us. We are indeed interconnected individuals and each of our decisions impacts each other. If we do this, than we can't do that. If we do this, we won't want to do that. We often don't know the full impact of a transition until we are in it, or perhaps even after that season. We might be able to guess, others might be able to guess but it's only in the midst of it and in reflection on it that we can know it's real impact.
I'm very much enjoying my current transition - but I'm very conscious of the transition it is for others as well as me.
I'm very much enjoying my current transition - but I'm very conscious of the transition it is for others as well as me.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Oh Where are You Going?
Recently, I was in a church service and we sang this song from the
Iona Commununity. The words really struck me:
1. Oh where are you going,
and can I come with you,
and why is your company
never the same?
You sit among beggars,
you argue with bankers,
debate with the lawyers
and walk with the lame.
2. Oh where are you going,
and can I come with you,
and what is your secret
towards which you strive?
What hidden inspirer,
what unseen admirer,
what dream is the substance
upon which you thrive?
3. I'm going on a journey
and welcome companions,
but don't ask me how we'll
survive, where we'll go,
or who will come with us,
or what we'll be doing.
Just join me in travelling
and learn all I know.
Iona Commununity. The words really struck me:
1. Oh where are you going,
and can I come with you,
and why is your company
never the same?
You sit among beggars,
you argue with bankers,
debate with the lawyers
and walk with the lame.
2. Oh where are you going,
and can I come with you,
and what is your secret
towards which you strive?
What hidden inspirer,
what unseen admirer,
what dream is the substance
upon which you thrive?
3. I'm going on a journey
and welcome companions,
but don't ask me how we'll
survive, where we'll go,
or who will come with us,
or what we'll be doing.
Just join me in travelling
and learn all I know.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
People you are around ...
This post is interesting - about the way the people you are around shape you.
What do you think about this?
If you listened to it, what would you change?
I missed the link to it on Dave's blog but another friend saw it. Her reflection was "how might this shape what faith community we are around?" Very good question, I reckon about that and many other things.
What do you think about this?
If you listened to it, what would you change?
I missed the link to it on Dave's blog but another friend saw it. Her reflection was "how might this shape what faith community we are around?" Very good question, I reckon about that and many other things.
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