The last fortnight has been less than the leisurely, contemplative, laid back, spiritually replenishing, intellectually productive illusion I now and again fantasise about as being the ideal life of the grown up Christian. When it comes to the tension between activism and passivity, most times I'm an activist wishing I was a contemplative! That isn't a complaint, more a confession – and not so much a confession of guilt as a confession of faith. There comes a time when you have to trust to who you are, and have faith in the God who made you who you are!
If I had the last fortnight back and was given the chance to revise it, balance it, adjust its demands more in keeping with energy levels – not sure there's much I'd change. Nearly five of the ten working days were dominated by meetings – but none were superfluous, even if at times they redefined upwards the capacity of tedium to enhance sanctity. Three parties in Aberdeen in 12 days and the Induction of Gary to a new ministry in Crown Terrace Baptist Church, Aberdeen – not a chance we'd have missed any of them. Several pastoral things to share in others' lives, hospitality both given and received in the essntial sacrament of kindness and welcome – it's been a fortnight of much happening.
Last Thursday night was Annette's 90th birthday party. If I'm half as sharp and well at myself as Annette when I'm half way between my age and hers I'll be well content. I was asked to say "Grace" before the party dinner, and I used the occasion to write a prayer especially for Annette – drawing together all that makes her the remarkable friend she is. Reader extraordinary, blessed with spiritual honesty and intellectual curiosity; creative worker of needle and cross-stitch; over 40 years a volunteer at Oxfam; Munro bagger and hill-walker; Christian extraordinary evidenced by a lifetime's faithfulness and attention to detail in the school of Christ. She is one of the most remarkable women I know, one who came into our lives as gift and has remained an established and loved presence there. It is for Annette that the following prayer was written:
Grace for a 90th
Birthday
God, tonight we celebrate Annette’s birthday
To say “Grace”, and so thank you for all that nourishes
our life:
The beauty of a world to walk in and wonder – a feast for
our eyes
The companionship of friends in laughter and tears – food
for our spirits
Living the joy and hard work of love and family –
nourishing our hearts
For years the week on week grace of voluntary work – helping to feed others
Long hours of reading for intellect and imagination –
sustenance for the mind
A lifetime of fellowship in the community of Christ –
replenishing our souls
The sense of life’s pattern in cross stitch and tapestry
– nurturing memory
And through it all, a body to enjoy and experience your
Grace in all these graces of life
of grace, we say “Grace”, thank you,
for all that nourishes our lives,
and so, for this food,
shared in joy and eaten in friendship
For all that is past – thank you
For all that is to come – Yes.
Amen.
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