She sniffed at the edges of the carrier box, uncertain about stepping into the middle of the room with a stranger. She looked around and glanced at me, sitting cross-legged on the floor. I held my breath. Would she like me? Would I like her? Would this end horribly? Then, like a windfall, she stepped […]
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Pacing my Illness
‘OK, I need you to do these five tests, and I’m referring you to another specialist,’ declared my GP. I winced. I already had a full week planned. Where was I going to find the time for all these tests? ‘I need a PA!’ I replied half-jokingly. But in my mind, I was overwhelmed. How […]
Introducing Me
I recently spent some virtual time with author Craig Wynne discussing his book How to be a Happy Bachelor. We talked about how awkward it can be to talk about singledom and childlessness. Especially with people who are not single or childless themselves. Craig made the point that such conversations can be difficult because people […]
The Blessings of Burnout?
I’m sick of reading “Good news” stories of burnout, the ones that describe past burnout that is now completely sorted out. Usually these stories are accompanied by some miracle cure or formula that “fixed” the storyteller’s burnout. Good for them. But what about the rest of us? Some of us are burned out today and […]
Easter Joy to the World
A friend of mine recently asked me, “How would you define the difference between joy and happiness?” I immediately thought I knew the answer. But as I opened my mouth to speak, I realised how complex the answer really was. We ended up having quite a lengthy conversation on the matter. Here’s where we […]
Drive Me Crazy
Two weeks ago I took my car in for an ordinary service. When I collected it at the end of the day, I started to drive away when I heard a distinct chainsaw-type sound emanating from the engine. I decided it was not yet time to leave the mechanic’s shop. The problem lay with a […]
Tiptoe through the Tulips
This stunning photo was taken while on holidays recently. It was a sight to behold: dazzling colour in the midst of vast stretches of green fields. One could hardly believe that such vivid colours were possible. The air was cool but not cold. There was the slightest hint of rain, and indeed, a few drops […]
Ministry Matters
* When I was growing up, I thought that serving the Lord meant being a paid full-time pastor. I thought being in ministry meant having an official title in your church, along with status, authority and responsibilities. As a teenager, I joined the church band and helped to lead worship. I served during the week […]
Good Grief
My grandfather recently died and I now find myself wanting to blog about death and grief. Those of you who have been following my blogs for a while may recall that I have previously written about lamentations and joyful grief. This week I will be talking about some of the most beautiful and encouraging aspects […]
Risky Business
I have worship on my mind this morning. I’ve been pondering the nature of worship and worship leading in the context of a congregational service. Here are a few of my thoughts. Worship is confusing – and yet so simple at its core. Worship at times can feel very private and personal, and yet we […]