I am safely back home across sunlit wave-tossed seas. The trip to Colonsay was memorable in many ways, (not least for getting attacked by a plastic box in a bog!) The Farewell Party on Tuesday evening was a great success though I seemed to gather more wine than I provided. A bit like the vine equivalent of The Magic Porridge Pot…..
The whole thing made me realise the importance of saying goodbye or “having closure” as the Americans would say. In my absence, Presbytery has confirmed my retiral date as 31st March and the parish here (Luing, Seil and Easdale) has arranged my leaving service and bunfight for Saturday 19th March at 2-00pm. I'm not sure where this is to be yet, but no doubt somebody will tell me; and as I have a voice again I am hoping to take part in the service.
Colleagues from far and wide have started to hear the news now, and there are many good wishes arriving by phone and post. It is good to have affirmation, friendship and prayers in that way and I am grateful. This retiral business is very strange, but I want to look forward and hope for an interesting and exciting future.