A week today the congregation at Kilbrandon and Kilchattan are having my “Leaving Do.” Of course I shall be there to say farewell and hopefully to take part in the service, but it will all be hard. Although I shall probably still see many of them (in Tesco's in Oban if nowhere else!) it will not be the same. This past year has all been about letting go. Letting go of being in control of health…..(though that is returning in stages)…..letting go of responsibilities….letting go of things…..
It is good to have to let go sometimes. I like the little saying that says Let go and let God….. but in some ways I wonder if we can use it as a cop out. I have to ensure that I am as healthy as possible by taking my medication, eating healthily, exercising sensibly and taking adequate rest. If we abuse our bodies we take the consequences. If we abuse our spirits then everything suffers. That's why musings like this can help the spirit and soul…… there is a feeling of connectedness with the whole of life. Spring is my favourite time of year and when the birds start to sing all the more loudly, I sort of want to join in with the crescendo of sound that lifts everyone's hearts. So I guess I will always want to preach God's love. And it is good to know that retiral from parish ministry is not retiral from ministry itself.
But it has been a difficult time to come to this place of peace.
But it will not be too difficult to stay there!! R
Look for new cheese!! J