Slowly the house is beginning to reappear from under the boxes, and it looks more and more like home as our belongings find their places. Our priority was to get the kitchen sorted and to make sure the children were happy in their new rooms. My study also became important as a desk was being delivered on Saturday morning.

However the number of boxes of belongings has been overwhelming, and in an attempt to gain some space so that we could work, the other adult in the house moved some of the boxes to the garage. Now the entrance area looks welcoming, and the battle for space at the top of the stairs is beginning to be won. There is still the conservatory, a living room and a dining room to work on, but there has been definite progress.

Over the weekend we’ve had a few visitors, some appearing with food parcels. That has allowed for some normal eating practices, after a couple of weeks of just grabbing something quick. It was good to sit at the table in the kitchen to eat and chat about our world.

Yesterday I headed to a local church. It was very much a church of its community, where everyone knew those around them. Worship reflected who they were and the journey they are making. I’m wondering if I must give out don’t talk to me vibes or if the people were just a little shy, as I can only say I’m glad I’m a minister and always hope that I might enjoy the anonymity of worship in a strange place. No-one spoke to me until the very end. Instead the person behind me complained to her friend that she wouldn’t be able to see the screen because I had sat in front of her. (I moved over a seat.). As I left the person nearest to me suggested I could sit near her again as she enjoyed my singing. I thanked her and said I was just visiting.

If you were not looking for anonymity perhaps you would behave differently and others would speak to you.

And so to today. For today I am as prepared as I can be to conduct the funeral of a family member. As children we teased and taunted each other, and as adults, while not close, we’ve held a mutual respect for each other.

With this one I’ve been reviewing whether it is wise to do family funerals. I have quite clear reasons why I have been happy to do so, but this one is hurting.

In the meantime it is time to get up and face the day.