People are fragile

We live in a fragile world. A world of deteriorating environmental quality, a world of natural disasters and man-made tragedies. And in it, we all struggle to live our lives. Daily.

Some of us struggle less than others. Some of us have been born into Western world material comfort, though many have less 'comforts' than the wealthy few. Yet many more of those who live on the planet lack even the most essential of needs: adequate shelter; food - of some description, not necessarily, even, good food; clean water.

Many have lost fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbours.  Many have suffered great personal tragedy.

Overwhelming.

Yet beauty can come out of ashes. Friends can be family. Kindness can overcome cruelty.

So I need to remember - we ALL need to remember, but I am responsible only for my own actions - how to behave kindly.

To praise and encourage and say kind words to gladden other people's hearts.
To give the benefit of the doubt.
To be gentle with pointing out errors. And that, only if absolutely necessary.
To forgive.
To apologize.
To say 'Thank you. I'm so glad you did that.'

And, also, to be all that to myself as well. Because we are ALL fragile.

I was inspired for this post by Deidra:

"I have three passages of scripture I use as my marching orders. They rest soundly and squarely atop John 3:16, because where would I be without For God so loved the world?

... The first passage of scripture is in the letter we call Ephesians:

The Messiah has made things up between us so that we’re now together on this, both non-Jewish outsiders and Jewish insiders. He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance. He repealed the law code that had become so clogged with fine print and footnotes that it hindered more than it helped. Then he started over. Instead of continuing with two groups of people separated by centuries of animosity and suspicion, he created a new kind of human being, a fresh start for everybody.

...Jesus is in the business of tearing down the walls we build to keep us separated from each other. We build the walls. Not Christ.

...The second passage of scripture is Matthew 18:15, which says, “If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend.”

...I believe Jesus knew we’d get on each other’s nerves, even in the Body of Christ. I believe he knew we’d see things differently and step on each others’ toes, and that we’d be tempted to let that cause a rift between us. I even believe Jesus knew how we’d tend to take to Facebook and Twitter before we’d walk a mile or so to stand in front of the person who ticked us off and try to work it out between us. Jesus knows the way we think and so He said to us, “Hey, when you get on each others’ nerves, go to that person—face-to-face—and try to figure things out.”

The third passage of scripture is this: “This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” (John 13:35, MSG)

Church (as my pastor used to say), the world is watching us. Like it or not, it’s the truth. The world is watching us. And when we get it right, it’s our love for one another that the world finds attractive. It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard or read, but it’s not programs or numbers or followers or shares that make the world sit up and take notice about the things that matter for eternity. It’s not even miracles and signs and wonders. Jesus didn’t say they’d know we’re His disciples because of how much money we raise or how many books we’ve published. He said the world will know we’re His disciples because of our love for each other.

That’s something, isn’t it?

I have this crazy idea that if the Church—the Body of Christ—could figure this out and stop building walls and holding grudges and let the world see a new kind of extravagant love, we might actually be able to speak truth to power and let God set a table of grace, even in the presence of those who see things differently than we do.

...where is God inviting you to join him? It may not be as far as you think. What’s keeping you from saying yes to Him? What if God wants to grow that seed He’s planted in your heart and all you need to do is let Him do it?

In praise of Richard

Back just over three weeks now, which has passed in a blur: twelve hours after arriving, I was back in school for the start of a new term. A new class. And a new year group. And a new curriculum. And a new form of planning. And... well, let's just say it's the usual start of the school year madness.

I work every night and weekend. Not all the time, but a lot. My brain is brimming over with 'oughts' and 'musts' and 'could do betters'...

Life isn't so hectic for Richard - but that's a different story. Instead, it has dawned on me just how much he has done lately.

Shopping done.
Washing done, hung up to dry and then put away.
Dog walked. Frequently.
Gardening kept on top of.
Errands run, which I didn't get time to do myself.
Supper cooked, delicious smells greeting me as I walked in the door.
And a cup of tea made for a weary wife...

So much love and kindness.

feelings

people like me
do not wear our hearts on sleeves.
our feelings are buried deep within.

we do not fuss or shout
or crave attention.
our feelings are buried deep within.

we endure quietly
stolidly ploughing life's furrows.
holding on with patient determination.

that does not mean
we like to be ignored.
we too  appreciate kindness.

acts of love sink deep.
are held in those quiet places
deep within.

Catch up

Thought I’d just catch up on myself for a while. Since starting my Lent thoughts, there hasn’t been much time for jotting down on the blog. Neither does it seem very important, actually. So, looking back, I seem to start thoughts – but not finish.

Take the school inspection. It was a LOT of work to get ready for it. And I mean a lot. The week before, I stayed at school until gone 7 for two of the evenings – only leaving because I had another meeting to go to. It wasn’t HARD work, just time-consuming as we tidied up in all areas: making sure the classrooms were as neat and tidy as possibly, tidying up the children’s work, tidying up our planning and paperwork, tidying our desks, tidying our minds. I guess I was tidied out by the time the inspectors arrived, and the time they were here wasn’t at all stressful. Just busy and a little tense. It was a gift every time I taught an unobserved lesson – and the children benefited. My teaching is twice as good when there is no one looking – or, I should say, only half good enough when someone is. And, in the end, I was only observed three or four times in two days, so not bad really.

So that was that.

Another major excitement was the tadpoles. Joseph brought in some quite mature tadpoles in an ice cream box, the same day I tried again with another batch of frogspawn. I’ve managed to put the photos onto a powerpoint presentation and run it every morning for the children to see their progress. Plus, of course, the little crowd that peers in at the little wrigglers several times a day.

Then there are the willow shoots in a vase, sending out roots under water.

It’s all quite fascinating. “Mrs P, why have you got tadpoles on your desk?” asked one child. “And why have you got twigs?”
“For fun,” I replied.
“For fun?” was the puzzled answer. “Just for fun?”
“Of course. The fun of watching things grow. Just watch how these roots are going!”

But the main excitement has been the multiplying of the talents. I’ve talked about it over at Words From God For Today, where I’ve given all the boys in the year £1 each, to keep safe or to multiply for The Tumaini Fund (supporting AIDS widows and orphans in Tanzania). I have never seen children so enthusiastic or excited about what they are doing, nor so confident in explaining to others. Every break time sees a room full of excited children, looking at the cakes and crafts for sale, negotiating, spending their money.

One of the boys keeps forgetting to bring his money. One day, his friend bought him a cake. Sharing. Kindness. Helpfulness.

It makes it all so worthwhile. I love my job.

PURPOSE

Every so often, I find myself reviewing my purpose. What am I here for? Or: What on earth am I doing here? Even: What on earth do I THINK I am doing? And even more frequently, What have I done to get myself into this mess and how can I possibly get out of it?

I won't attempt to answer those questions. Not here, not right now anyway.

But I came across some thoughtful words. Ruth Haley Barton in Longing For More, IVP (ISBN 978 184474 2059, because I've only read an extract in a magazine which I will no doubt lose and I do want to get the book sometime).

She has reminded me that:

1. I need not be defined by other people's expectations of me.
   
2. My purpose is to reflect God's character, to love him, and to be honest with him.
   
3. My purpose is also to acknowledge and develop the abilities he has given me, in the situation he has put me in.
   

Easy.

Not always simple, but easy. As long as I keep these priorities in mind and take opportunities daily, not putting them off.

So…I can certainly develop kindness with every chance to help someone out.

I can take time to write a few thoughts. I can't draw or paint, although I am beginning to wonder if I might be able to if I tried, but I can use words.

I can become more expert at organising my class, a church cleaning party, a Bible study for home group, and keeping my house clean and tidy. Well, the latter isn't done quite so well. That area of my organisational abilities probably needs developing more than others.

So God is like a photographer in the darkroom of life, maybe. The developing fluid sloshing over the imprinted photographic paper is life with all its challenges, sloshing over us. As we respond, our picture – who we are – emerges. How God must be delighted to see the completed photo emerging!

Renee

I can't remember if I have talked about my friend Renee before. I'm amazed if I haven't. Her name should be Blessing. When I grow up, I want to be JUST like her. (And if I look even half as elegant and pretty, that will be a bonus.)

She asked our family round to lunch a few weeks after we had arrived in Guernsey. We hadn't even met. Once we did, we all fell in love with her and count ourselves blessed to be her friends. If you can imagine the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control - all rolled up to perfection in one person: well, that's Renee. Added to that, she has a wicked sense of humour and incredible energy. I just love her.

I've been off school for a couple of days getting over mild flu. Nothing serious, just tired. So Renee pops round. She's cleared out her freezer and popped into Marks and Spencer for fruit and other goodies on the way to our house, bent on making sure I don't wear myself out with cooking. Such kindness. I am completely humbled by her selflessness and thoughtfulness.

But the best thing was her visit, the gift of her time. The real treasure.

Kindness

My thoughtful nephew - aged 3 and a half - heard about my mishap with my nose.

First he sent me a hand-crafted get well card.

Then a box of luscious hand-made chocolates arrived by post.

He is so thoughtful. So are his wonderful parents - what a lovely surprise!

Thank you, Matthew, Paula and Henry!

Friends

What a gift it is to have friends.

Post broken nose, I have been overwhelmed with messages of concern, emails, texts, visits...

Just for a nose!

One friend, nursing a sore throat, has just dropped in with a goody bag of fresh fruit and a ready cooked chicken. I am so touched by her concern: she should be at home in the warm, not dragging herself round shops.

I feel so blessed.