Drawing the eye

I love to see herons all ruffled - like this one. I showed someone this photo and all they noticed was the litter by the riverbank.

Isn't that often the way. Folk miss out on the important things because their attention has been drawn by unimportant distractions. Folk miss out on beauty because they focus on ugliness. And folk can't get switched on to what can be done because they are too tied up in what can't or isn't. The trouble with that kind of negativity is that it gets more airing than the positive. How can we find ways to draw the eye back to the important before everyone is so caught up in trivia that there's no way forward?

The only constant

They say that the only constant in life is change. But how to get folk to accept that? How to bridge the gap between what is past its sell by date - for very good reason - and the exploration of what might be a new way forward? How to convince people that its worth taking a risk. Or maybe its a case of rewinding. Before the risk will be ventured there has to be an acceptance that the old ways will no longer do. It seems to me that that's where the real work lies. Until reality is faced then there is no perception of that yawning chasm that lies before us. And so there is no  desire to find a way across. And the tried and tested and dreadfully wanting ways will continue to be pursued. And the gap widens. Does this sound like the church to you? So far removed from the good news that we are called to share. So far removed from the unpredictable, itinerant, bizzare person of Jesus whose way we claim to follow. How to find a way back?

Taize

We held our monthly Taize service tonight - last Wednesday of the month, 7pm at Castlehill parish church. An oasis of calm in the busyness of life. It struck me that our next Taize service falls on 25th February - Ash Wednesday. I know its not considered terribly Presbyterian but I'd love to do a service of imposition of ashes. I usually call in on some of my RC or Episcopalian colleagues on Ash Wednesday and always find the ceremony very moving. It would be good to offer that to others.

Forward together

It was a real privelege tonight to share in the service of ordination and induction of Stephen Ogston to Ballantrae and St Colmon's. I'd forgotten how special it felt to join with colleagues and lay hands on a new ordinand. Although I'm not so comfortable with much of the formal presbytery proceedings there was, at Ballantrae, a feeling of warmth and welcome. And Stephen and Barbara's little girl, Chelsea certainly lightened things. I look forward to seeing how this new chapter of ministry in these places unfolds as minister and congregation together develop their gifts for the Kingdom.

The times, they are a-changing

Lots of signs of change in the air this morning. These buds looked good in the early morning winter sunshine. But when I returned from my refreshing, cleansing walk, I heard about the controversy of the BBC and Sky News refusing to broadcast the DEC's appeal for Gaza, claiming they don't want to compromise their impartiality. Since when has journalism and impartiality been even remotely related? However I'm sure the outcry over their refusal to host the appeal has created more publicity than a straightforward acquiescence would have done. Can it be that there is method in their madness? I very much doubt it but its an ill wind that blows no good.

Happy birthday, Rabbie

At church this morning, we were exploring why the words of someone, born 250 years ago, who only lived for 37 years should have made such an impact, not just on his home shores, but all around the world. The poetry of Robert Burns is timeless, his social critique as relevant today as it was in the 18th century. And he particularly railed at the hypocrisy that was rife in the pillars of the kirk. Now, why is that sounding just a bit familiar?

(Burns Cottage, Alloway)

Iconic Burns

We've just attended one of the many events to celebrate Homecoming 2009 and the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns, our national poet. This was a torchlit procession re-enacting "Tam O'Shanter" through the streets of Alloway and culminating in an incredible firework display at the Brig O Doon. The weather was kind, clear and cold, the event was well organised and folk were friendly. So glad to be living and working in Ayr.