Old but still going strong

I was painfully reminded recently of how accustomed I've grown to gender discrimination in the church. While mostly my response after years of building up a degree of immunity is a roll of the eyes, I felt the acute pain of younger women whose hopes and expectations have not become dulled like mine. And my hope for them is that they will never become "used" to it like I have but will keep on hoping for better, for the recognition of their calling and of their gifts and of their inclusion  - created, called and gifted, as we all are, in the image of God. My prayer is that those who refuse to be inclusive as God is inclusive will know the ostracism that they seek to create and find themselves on the margins. Or, as someone much greater than I said: "Do unto others...."

The bridge

One of the images I used during Youth Assembly was the Forth Road Bridge - providing a link between communities.
At the end of NYA yesterday it was tempting to clear up and rush back home to pick up on all that had been left behind.
However, an extra night spent with new friends made on the journey, reflecting on all the opportunities that the event had provided is a much better place from which to return, ready to hit the ground running again, bridging the gap between the euphoria of the National Youth Assembly experience and whatever awaits us in the communities to which we return.The bonds forged by those sharing a common task are strengthened by taking time out to laugh and learn together before we move on.

Things I have learned at NYA

Here are just some of the things I have learned this weekend at Church of Scotland National Youth Assembly

• I don't have the stamina I had 20 years ago
• I can't party all night and function productively the next day
• Many young people have impeccable manners
• Sometimes I have wisdom to offer - BUT
• More often, there is SO much to learn and so many teachers around.
• While, for me, young people are simply an integral part of the church, they still need their own forum - just like, for example, the Guild.
• and finally, but most painfully - I am no longer a young person :(

Grumpy God

Darren, who played God in worship this morning was wearing a Grumpy T shirt.
Lots of folk think of God as pretty Grumpy - and certainly, the God portrayed in the Hebrew Scriptures does seem to have good days and bad days and is pretty fickle at times as well as blood thirsty and vengeful and generally not the sort of God you'd want to know.
Another barrier that Jesus came to break through - to reveal the God of love who created the world, who lives in the heart of all creation, in whose image we are created, the God who loves us back to faith and to life in all its fulness.

Breaking Down Barriers

The theme of National Youth Assembly this year is "Breaking Down Barriers"
Staff worship this morning reflected on Shrek and his desire to build a wall around his swamp. As he explained to donkey: "...the world seems to have a problem with me. People take one look at me and go, "Aah! Run! a big, stupid, ugly ogre!" they judge me before they even know me. That's why I'm better off alone."
The sad fact is that folk often feel judged - particularly by those in the church.
Here's to a weekend of working on breaking down those barriers with the God who knows and respects no bounds but insists on breaking in to our world.

Creating the image

I have no idea why Chilli the owl looks bigger than Sarah in this picture. A spectacled owl, he's not huge. Owl Magic only brought their smaller birds for the children to handle at our Holiday Club. But the perspective got me thinking about the images we create and the impressions we leave as we journey through life. Often we are unaware (perhaps blissfully) of the effect we have on others. It may be that we have more influence than we could have ever imagined. Or leave a lasting imprint. That can be both salutary and humbling. A testament to the hope and trust that God places in us. Even we can make a difference as we blunder on. By the grace of God may that be a force for good, building up and affirming all God's people for all bear the image of God. The power of love helps us get that in perspective.

Puppy love

Dogs don't seem to mess about. They encounter each other and make an immediate decision - friend or foe. Our puppy, just wanting to be friends with any other dogs she meets simply rolls over and surrenders. And, of course, that inevitably leads to others taking advantage if they are so inclined. That doesn't seem to faze her. She never seems to learn - just keeps on repeating the same behaviour, believing, expecting the best of others, looking for love and not aggression, encouraging play and not competition. A lesson in love for her human companions.