365 with the soapbox

The opportunity to spend the last few days in Maynooth was so refreshing, I could almost stop there.

I loved the chance today to sit down and chat with one of my colleagues I don’t get to see enough. I love how God revealed himself most completely in becoming human, and that it is in other people that we see those glimpses of God’s heart, his passion, his compassion.

Today was also a chance to stop in for coffee that ended up in staying for dinner with my old boss. Experiencing generosity and being welcomed and accepted in another family is a liberating experience not to be taken for granted. I’d forgotten how much i’d missed chatting with him and his wife, at what good listeners they are, at how God is so present in the way he is interested, asks questions, remembers the details, speaks so honestly, all bathed in much laughter.

Where to start, on a great day. I love being in the south. Time to stop, to read after some communal sandwich making. Sitting in the pub before church enjoying time with people I don’t see very often. Seeing Zoomtard in a tie was particularly good.

All of this was simply a preview for the real highpoint of the weekend. The opportunity to join in the celebration of the official birth of a new church. It was such a privilege to be present, to be aware of God’s presence, of the signs of his grace in the people present, of holy moments as neuro’s amazing voice rang out the first verses of ‘Be Thou My Vision’ in Gaelic, of Keith’s glowing delight, of Zoomtard’s moving tribute to his parents and those who have shaped him, to be part of a welcoming, loving community of grace.

The food wasn’t bad either, and in true Irish fashion, a great day was rounded off in, yep the pub and a stop off at the chippie.

Saturday Guardian and good coffee. Oh yeah.

The chance to go and see some friends south of the border, chill out, have a takeaway and watch a movie. simple pleasures.

Working from home today I enjoyed missing the morning traffic, and a bit more time in bed, although i’m coming to enjoy that time on the bus reading or in the car listening to podcasts and music.

Today I was glad to be able to work through a fair bit of my to do list for the day, and sign off on a few things for another month or two. Simple pleasures.

The day was perfectly rounded off with an evening with the fire lit and some good friends. Thoughts of a movie or cards evaporated in laughter and chat. Van would say – ‘wouldn’t it be great if it was like this all of the time’ but then we wouldn’t have those times to look forward to and enjoy all the more. God is good (even if I am becoming incoherent on my way to bed!)

Today was a reminder why i’m enjoying getting the bus to work. It is a disicpline. In many ways its easier to drive, but the time to be still, to notice, and to read are huge benefits. The moments of stillness in the morning sitting waiting for the bus is like a little oasis at the start of the day

Walking to the office I noticed a man coming towards me – probably 20-30 years my senior. Dressed in a suit as opposed to my more casual approach, a leather laptop bag instead of my canvas one. as we looked at each other – bags over same shoulder, supermarket carrier bag with our lunch held in the same hand, we smiled at each other realising a moment of connection on a busy street and that we weren’t so different after all.

Sometimes you can’t beat the satisfaction of being able to sign ff a project as finished, dropping the last letter in the postbox on the way to the bus stop.

It’s amazing when you intentionally notice there are so many more things to be thankful for. The last was no surprise. An evening spent with an old teacher and mentor is always time well spent, leaving more inspired to follow Jesus, with an obvious lift in my whole being.

Porn and Pancakes. An unlikely combination, the chance to meet and hear from Craig Gross founder of xxxchurch. Someone not scared of taking on the elephant in the room, bringing light and hope and healing both to those addicted to porn, but also to those involved in the porn industry. Not shouting, not protesting, not judging, simply talking, loving, being and sharing Jesus. Amazing.

Chances to share hopes, fears and dreams of the future over a cup a coffee.

Spooks. Possibly the best show on TV.

Texting for directions to a meeting of world changing organisations I was met with the reply – “come to our office (en route) and 4 of us can travel together – carbon footprint and all that” (my paraphrase). It reminded me that changing the world is easier with others, the simple act of taking one car and not 3 or 4 made easier by a shared commitment to caring for creation and someone making a simple suggestion. Secondly the driver on the way reminded us we needed lunch! Thirdly sharing a car enables conversations and laughter that would not otherwise have happened.

Flip its been 4 weeks.

I’ve enjoyed one of those great sundays. Starting with coffee before church plotting mission strategy, then one of those days that reminds me why I love my church. Praise that lifted my eyes to Jesus, filled me with hope, and a great sermon – although made me glad i’m not a parent and respect my freidns who are even more!

A lazy afternoon watching the incredible lives of others. Oh yeah.

Standing in the shadow of Samson and Goliath – Harland and Wolff’s massive cranes – gives me a sense of belonging, a feeling of being ‘home’ and a real love for this city.

(Thanks to the coffeemonster for this just one of his many amazing photos)

A free ticket to the rather unfortunately named ‘mandate’ mens event. Despite the naming problems – an real sense of God’s presence and him speaking, and the incredible sound of 4000 male voices worshipping in Belfast’s largest indoor arena.

Rain. sometimes there is just something amazing about standing in the rain….

A packed day of listening, worship, challenge, reflecting, thinking, sleeping, getting wet and topped off with the reclining sofas watching deja vu at a friends house.

sense of god speaking