What’s the Story in Dalamory

Much of this week is spent waiting.

Waiting for the ride-on mower to arrive. (By the way, Him Behind the Wheel wants rain this week so that the grass will grow; perverse or what?)

Waiting for the builders to arrive. Mind you, I am not looking forward to having half the back garden dug up for the foundations. It is putting me off planting up pots of geraniums as I usually do.

Waiting for packages to arrive. I have been busy ordering online. Do you know you can even buy Jungle Formula products on ebay?

Waiting for inspiration to do some writing instead of being lazy reading.

It’s a hard life being retired.

The biggest problem with deciding to surf ebay to research prices and bids, is that one ends up bidding rather than selling. I obviously have to make some decisions about what I will realistically put up for sale. And that all depends on postage and packaging estimates. For example, how does one package a motor cycle helmet? And who is going to collect from Dalamory anyway? It is interesting to see the economy that exists online though. Fascinating.

Misty is not usually so keen to get on the desk, but she is demanding rather a lot of attention at the moment. She is a week into her first “season” or oestrus. Poor little thing doesn’t know what is wrong. I am a bit cross at the vet practice because they don’t spay a dog until after their first season. Oh well, only another two weeks of clingyness and watching out for unwelcome male callers.

I like to think of today as being about relationship. We are related to all living things, and we are deeply connected with the whole of the world. To try to explain God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit is to miss the point. We are part of the relationship itself. When we feel that, we are freed from having to be God for ourselves and for others.

Well……that is sort of what I would preach had I been preaching today.
Thankfully, I am enjoying another day of rest.

A saint’s day. And high summer.
What better excuse to do very little?

Hate to admit it but I have been suffering from too much sun. I was sitting outside yesterday and must have dozed off. Consequently I am having an adverse skin reaction.

Not complaining though. Or at least trying not to complain.

No words are needed.

Is it tempting fate or showing faith to say that the 06/06/06 day is nearly over and the world is still here?

Interesting theological point nonetheless.

Heard but not seen – a grasshopper warbler. We appear to be on the limit of their habitat in the UK, but it has livened up the dusk and intrigued the dog.

Hurrah that summer has come at last!

If you are a regular reader you will know that I am a fan of Henri Nouwen. This is his personal prayer for Pentecost from Jesus: A Gospel. And strikes a strong resonance with how I feel a lot of the time.

Dear Lord, listen to my prayer. You promised your disciples that you would not leave them alone but would send the Holy Spirit to guide them and lead them to the full Truth.

I feel like I am groping in the dark. I have received much from you;, and still it is hard for me simply to be quiet and present in your presence. My mind is so chaotic, so full of dispersed ideas, plans, memories, and fantasies. I want to be with you and you alone, concentrate on your Word, listen to your voice, and look at you as you reveal yourself to your friends. But even with the best intentions I wander off to less important things and discover that my heart is drawn to my own little worthless treasures.

I cannot pray without the power from on high, the power of your Spirit. Send your Spirit, Lord, so that your Spirit can pray in me, can say “Lord Jesus,” and can call out “Abba, Father.”

I am waiting, Lord, I am expecting, I am hoping. Do not leave me without your Spirit. Give me your unifying and consoling Spirit. Amen.