4 sleeps until I go off on the big cruise and holiday in New Orleans.
So much to do before I go but the excitement is bubbling under as I work.
I am just back from a conference for those who have now been about a year in ministry. It was such a valuable experience to share with others and to hear their stories. Some of us have faced more challenges than others. Those whose paths have been relatively smooth have come away with a new appreciation of their congregations and their parishes. Those who have had some significant rough patches (and are maybe going through some of those rough patches right now) appreciated the opportunities to share them. A problem shared is a problem halved they say!
But it was also a chance to jsut hang out with those we have got to know to varying extents during the training for ministry. There was laughter and tears. Quiet time and rowdy, boisterous, energetic times. But through it all was a feeling of support and respect.
There were about two-thirds of our year group there. I don't know the reasons the rest didn't come. But I can't help thinking they missed out!
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Monday, 2 January 2012
New Year, New theme
A couple of years ago I was reading a blog near the beginning of the year which suggested taking a theme for the year. That year I chose the theme "Dancing with God" and even preached on it and used that sermon as the one I delivered when I was being evaluated for my first charge.
It was a worthwhile exercise for me to have a theme so I am going to try it again.
My theme for 2012 is Balance.
That much touted "Work-life balance" is a big part of that.
But also I feel much of ministry is to some extent like walking on a balance beam. Between the practical and the theological; between keeping people happy and doing what is right; between asking too much or too little of people (and myself).
So I think I will try, for this year at least, to concentrate on keeping the balance!
And on the theme of work-life balance it is 3 weeks today til I go on my RevGals cruise (with added days in New Orleans!)
Can't wait!
It was a worthwhile exercise for me to have a theme so I am going to try it again.
My theme for 2012 is Balance.
That much touted "Work-life balance" is a big part of that.
But also I feel much of ministry is to some extent like walking on a balance beam. Between the practical and the theological; between keeping people happy and doing what is right; between asking too much or too little of people (and myself).
So I think I will try, for this year at least, to concentrate on keeping the balance!
And on the theme of work-life balance it is 3 weeks today til I go on my RevGals cruise (with added days in New Orleans!)
Can't wait!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)