365 with the soapbox

A day off. Time to chill out and read was refreshing and renewing.

The end of a conference is always bittersweet, I loved being able to do some training. I loved being around someone who gives confidence and hope.

Moments of grace and enjoyment often rest in a cup of tea and afternoon doze on the sofa, a meal cooked for you, and laughter together.

Hanging out in Maynooth is always a highlight. Today really did contain moments of grace as I was aware of God speaking into things going on in my life through the sermon, in a conversation – being involved and asked for contribution by someone I hugely respect was an affirming moment.

A pretty darn good lunch also helped…

To hear students respond and grasp what you’ve been communicating is humbling, and hanging out and actually being able to do stuff with colleagues you don’t see that often is exciting.

An annual highlight of econ is the banquet – as a team serving the young leaders we are training, seeing them mingle and share ideas, and build networks across the island is always exciting and fills me with hope

Sometimes its hard to beat the simple things – the sun shining on Trinity in the morning, and that feeling of warmth on your skin that elicits a smile. A room of young leaders always excites me as I see and dream of the potential. The highlight perhaps was an indian with someone I love being around, who inspires me. Listening to him talk of his vision for his organisation reignited hope and chatting to him helped me come to a point of honesty and stopping pretending.

Being bunged with the cold on the day of travelling to one of our big two conferences of the year didn’t start too well, lots of groaning, grumbling and some post lunch grumpiness thankfully gave way to giddiness and laughter. Its amazing how laughter can transform moods.

After a long drive some hanging out and tea in Dublin was very welcome.

A day of prep. I love learning and i’m grateful for people who are further on and share that wisdom with the rest of us. Even when I look at the material and despair at the dysfunction I see around me, the opportunity to teach and train young leaders to avoid our mistakes is an incredible one.

Another beautiful crisp morning.

A long overdue ‘proper’ catch up with a friend in the only coffee establishment open in Holywood. Having people who care and ask the probing questions.

Dinner with  few more friends topped off a great day – their crazy dog bringing almost as much amusement as Peter Kay…

Easter Sunday. Life and hope and resurrection.

And a Green and Black’s Easter Egg.

Being asked to be groomsman at a friend’s wedding. One of those oddly beautiful things that reminds you of the depth of friendships and the delight and pleasure of being able to play a small part in the big day…

I’m bunged with the cold, so at this moment grateful that I rarely ever get sick!

Wonderfully cold crisp and sunny day.