365 with the soapbox

The chance to sit down and unload with a good friend, and begin to chat through stuff that’s been n my mind.

Catching up with folk at a now annual New Year bash, people I haven’t seen for a while, and of course the now annual new year cigars and musings with the lads, this year livened up by fireworks exploding above the rooftops of the east.

I’ve been pretty bunged up over the last day or two but have been appreciating some of the little things that are big things. Being able to go home and get fed by mum, being able to lie on the sofa and watch TV, and maybe most of all being made to stop and having the chance to reflect and pray in the midst of what although really enjoyable is a really busy holiday period.

There are lots of things that so often I don’t fully appreciate. today I had lunch with 5 of my friends from school. We left school over 11 years ago now, and despite going to university in different countries and in some cases living in different countries those relationships have lasted. They may have changed and not everyone was there today but I’m really grateful to have the privilege of friendships that have lasted coming close to two decades.

Today was one of those great days of the holidays, coffee in the morning with someone I don’t see very often then an afternoon outing.

We played the par 3 course at Blackwood in Bangor - in the rain at times,  I’m no golfer but really enjoyed it, it was great getting outside, and getting some exercise. The last two holes in the dark were great fun and it was well worth the soaking!

A great day was finished off with a Swedish food night with homegroup.  I really appreciate having people to journey alongside, and tonight was a great reminder of that.

Penguin popular classics - simple pleasures - waking up and taking some time to enjoy the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

The Glens winning the Boxing Day derby

Christmas Day. enough said, well almost…

For the first time i think ever I went to church on Christmas Day, mum came with me and I was so glad I went. Jesus at the heart of Christmas presented creatively, funnily, joyfully and even with the challenge of a ‘heart check’.

Christmas dinner was prettty immense too and a day chilling out, finishing off the Northern Lights and not having to drive home!

Possibly the most chilled Christmas Eve i’ve had.

I’ve spent a bit of time on the bus and train over the last week. I’ve loved enjoying the rolling countryside between Dublin and Belfast, and watching the city go by from the top of a double decker. As I made a couple of trips in the car and remembered blogging about road rage in the Christmas traffic this time last year, I realised that public transport has been teaching me patience. In the car I want to be in the fastest lane, on the bus I have no option but to sit back, enjoy my book or the wonder of creation (outside and inside the bus). The bus has helped me enjoy the journey, not rushing to the destination.

Thanks to crooked shore and all those at the mockingbird’s leap for helping teach me patience during advent. Reading and musing on all the posts has helped me focus this year, not approaching Christmas in a last minute frenzy of present buying, but with eager anticipation and enjoyment. Thanks for helping me sense the beauty and grace, thanks for helping me anticipate, enjoy the wonder and fall on my knees…

The sound of voices joined in celebrating Christmas at a communion service in church was fantastic, a service punctuated with meaning, laughter and wonder was a glimpse of what I love about church.

Birthdays sometimes remind me just how much parents invest in us, and how our words can never really express how much that is appreciated.

Tonight I had a wee celebration of turning 30 in the wonderful ‘Bay Tree’ with some of my friends, people I have learned from, people who have inspired me and walked with me on the journey so far, and who I feel privileged to know. The best thing was I had nothing to do with organising anything - it was all done by two of those amazing friends - who even wrote a song (to the tune of ‘Our love goes deeper than this’ by Duke Special) for the occasion! It was a perfect night - chilled, great food (blue cheese, pear, walnut and honey starter was particularly good) and good times catching up. One of those evenings that leaves you feeling warm and contented and immensely privileged .

The feeling off being off work for Christmas is a great one, thoughts of rest, reading, friends and laughter to anticipate. I did stop in for one work related purpose at the guys who in my opinion are not only some of the best designers around but fantastic guys to work with, generous and inspiring. Being able to tell them of the excitement that art college students showed over their poster for an event we are running was a real joy.

I really enjoyed a lazy lunch of M&S sushi, the paper and some daytime TV. Aah holidays…