Thought for the day (you gave us)

The sun is setting and I'm back behind the desk I left some ten hours ago reflecting upon the ministerial role and, like a good port, savouring the words, situations, experiences and people that have made the day:

• The person who has lost their partner and wonders how they will face the days ahead on their own.

• The struggle with cancer that is masked by attempts at a blasé attempt to appear that all is well.

• The news that we have lost six of our own and understanding the pain for those who serve with them; The earth-shattering, life-changing despair of partners, family and friends; Confused at those who want us to cut and run and render 404 lives lost in vain.

• The old sweat who proudly tells me of their wartime experiences and proudly shows me a photograph of a grandson serving somewhere dusty and dangerous. The comfort of a prayer and the ignoring a wayward tear that escapes and betrays all that is within.

• A conversation with someone who patiently listens to my jumbled accounts of academic confusion, listens, contributes and ignores my membership of the british Albatross-shooting team!

• The sadness of being in a world where sympathy exists when it comes to diabetes and yet feels no compassion for those who experience the debilitating reality of being mentally-ill. How odd that both can be conquered by pills and life-style changes.

And so - the sun is setting and the high (and low) lights of the day have gone and they lead me to ask the question, "How have I made Christ known in what I have done today?"

If you read this:

Please pray for those whose stories appear.

Please pray for those who have lost loved ones today in conflict and those who have had loved ones taken away by illness and accident.

Please pray for families and marriage; For fidelity and dialogue rather than conflict.

Please pray for those who minister the Gospel that they might be faithful to their calling and honest in all their dealings.

Please pray for peace in a world ravaged and made cruel through hatred, greed and self-serving people.

For those who struggle with illness in their own bodies and in the bodies of those they know and love.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Pax