It’s just over a year since I moved my blog spot and tried to think productively about what life holds for me. I’m not sure it is particularly exciting for others, as it doesn’t often offer much more than naval gazing on my own life. However it has offered a place to leave the mix of thoughts that sometime we need to be separated from, if we are to grasp at a better perspective.

Personally and as a family it has been a year that has brought some fairly major changes in life, and I think in personal perspectives on who we are individually. Or maybe that’s just me…

It is quite apparent from the early notes in this blog that we were settled in our previous home, and had much to look forward to in the place we were. It was only towards the middle of May that it became apparent that life would be changing, and then once we accepted the possibility of that change everything moved very quickly.

However in the midst of that change there has been much to learn and accommodate.

Firstly never underestimate the resilience of children. Mine have been amazing the smallest adapted really quickly to the new situation, and has a core group of good friends to play with and travel home with. More recently that has developed to sleep overs. The eldest took a little longer, but now has plans for adventures with friends in the last few days of this holiday. Being slightly older there are strong links to previous friendships and those connections continue with modern technology.

Secondly, sometimes you have to listen to friends. It was a friend who encouraged me to take a look at something new, and a friend who when I didn’t think it was for me pointed out why it was. Other friends highlighted my good points when I was keen to see only my failings. So at the year end I feel considerably more confident than I did at the beginning.

Lastly, when things seem to be upside down or not hurrying along, there is no point worrying about it. That just makes you ill. If there is nothing you can do to change the situation, just keep smiling because eventually all will sort it’s self out.

Twelve weeks into the new thing I can genuinely say I’m having a great time and the rest of the family seems happy and settled. My new session clerk and the deputy are living up to the promise they made to a past session clerk that they would look after me. It’s full on with lots of new things to learn and experience, and still a lot of learning to do. And as we wait the new year I’m tired, full of the cold, but looking forward to all the New Year will bring.

I have thought over Christmas of those we left behind, knowing that some of what they did for Christmas would be similar to years gone by. Post New Year for them will have the Nominating Committee looking at potential candidates as their new minister. No platitudes or sanctimonious comments I hope from me, but a genuine hope that they find someone who will enjoy being their minister as much (if not more) than me, and will offer then a fresh picture of God in their midst.