In every blade of grass

One of the things I'm going to miss about living in this part of God's country are the walks I can take daily. No need to take the car. There are lots of choices right on my doorstep. A woodland walk or a farm trek or a wander along the shore. I'm taking my fill before we move. Through all the changing seasons - in Scotland we sometimes experience 4 seasons in one day - there is always so much to see and embrace, so much to absorb. Getting close to the miracle that is creation is cleansing and renewing. And so, among all the other pressing responsibilities that await me, a priority will be seeking out new places to drink in beauty, new places to breathe and be recharged by nature, new places to find God in every blade of grass or every grain of sand.

Doctor Who?

The Church of England Synod yesterday voted for no compromise in the election of women bishops. Now, a way forward has to be found for those who cannot accept this ruling. I often wonder if the Presbyterian system of government in the Church of Scotland, which this year marked 40 years since the first women were ordained to word and sacrament, merely conceals issues that are there anyway but simply aren't talked about publicly.
Without wishing in any way to trivialise this massive debate and the pain and soul searching it brings, I was surprised at my reaction this morning when I heard on the radio that there is a groundswell of opinion that the next Dr Who should be - gasp - a woman!
Maybe my horror is more to do with the fact that Amy Winehouse's name is in the frame. But my hope is that the glass ceiling in the tardis remains intact. Perverse or what? Prayers for those in the C of E - and in the BBC who struggle with such decisions.

Alternative Worship

Worship for me this morning occurred during a leisurely walk, admiring the breathtaking beauty of creation. I was full of good intentions about attending an early morning service but didn't wake up until late. However as I took in this scene I realised that this was far more energising than being in the confines of a building courting the distraction of other worshippers. And the noise of waves lapping on the shore and gulls crying provided a wonderful choral accompaniment.

What would Jesus do?

Been thinking this week. How long should we put up with nonsense for the sake of the kingdom?How often should we turn the other cheek? How does that talk of forgiving over and over again chime with shaking the dust off our feet when we're not welcome.
And how long would Jesus have kept at it if he hadn't been crucified after 3 years?
What is grace - is it smiling benignly when you want to say what you really think? Or is it speaking the truth in love and doing a lot of damage?
And when you know folk are just so switched off and apathetic is it even worth losing sleep over or wasting energy working it out?
Lots of questions. Would love some answers.

Flat out

Pretty much how it feels tonight after the week that was. Guide camp last weekend led into a week of fiendish activity, school award ceremonies, end of term services, presentations, leavers' events. All emotion filled occasions. And then a weekend of services that seemed like a lot of effort for little impact. The good thing is that we never know what fruits we sow and where or when the harvest will be reaped. And, in those times when we're wrung out, there's the assurance that tomorrow brings something new. We may be down, but not out. But it would be nice just to lie low for a while.

Laughing instead of crying

Spent the weekend at Guide camp. In spite of some torrential downpours and midgies with tackety boots on, we had a ball. One of the other Guiders sent me this pic - that just about sums it up. And, on a day charged with the emotions of saying goodbye to our local primary school and to my kirk session, it was just the tonic I needed. Incidentally, I'm the one flat on my back, helpless with laughter. Do you remember space hoppers - much more fun for adults!

Midsummer's

There is an energy about this time of year. Full moon, summer solstice and midsummer's day. Their coinciding brought freaky weather, especially for those sleeping under canvas. But also a dynamic that's useful for processing events and shedding wounds carried far too long. Cleansing rain, purging fire, refreshing wind, absorbing earth, embracing and disempowering hurt, allowing the capacity to move on with healing. The mystery of how this all works together is as old as time but no less powerful now as it was in the beginning. And the timing? The timing is just right - as ever.