What’s the Story in Dalamory

No time for blogging – too busy doing Puppy Watch. Him Behind the Wheel has been away for a couple of days.

My attention was drawn to an article in the Independent on Saturday, it refers to part of a voyage taken by Nick Thorpe, when he was boat-hiking round the coast of Scotland a couple of years ago. The article coincides with the publication of his book on his experiences – surprise surprise…….  And it has even made it to being Radio 4’s book of the week. Now it is all very well for me to poke fun at our little ecumenical gathering in front of Highland Arts on Seil, (looking across to Easdale island)  but I am not so sure I like it when it is done for me, and by someone making money out of it as well. Having said that, Nick does have an interesting turn of phrase, and big Donald, though totally sincere and committed to the venture, was having trouble with some of the crew – mainly because of his evangelical language I suspect. In fact, he is a likeable, sincere Christian, who loves to share his faith with others.

Anyway, I suppose I may as well give the book a plug, Adrift in Caledonia: Boat-Hitching for the Unenlightened. Published by Little, Brown on March 2nd. I guess I may even put it on my Amazon wish list, just in case! Who knows, maybe the author will see it and feel guilty for calling me “earnest”.

Just to let you know I used the riskier sermon outline. Fewer notes and more room for stories. It seemed to be ther right choice. But one can never be sure. I am always surprised (and humbled) when people come up to me years after I have said something which has had a big impact on them. The worrying thing is that I am unlikely to hear about the people I have put off.

That really is faith. Keeping going even when we don’t get feedback.

The interesting thing about writing sermons and leading services is that the preacher brings to each situation a whole load of hang-ups. The first thing I was taught by a wise tutor, was that in three months any congregation will know the Gospel according to Freda Marshall. What he did not explain was that there is a trap waiting for the unwary. Everyone wants to be loved or at least liked. And that goes for the worship leader. Of course we know that God loves us……but we want the congregation to love us too. Only human, but fatally flawed. You don’t have to search far in scripture for examples of prophets and leaders who were definitely not liked by their audience.

Given all of the above, it is not surprising that I ended up writing a sermon for today, then discarding it and writing another. Both are in the folder, waiting to go to church. I wonder which one I shall preach. The cleverer one? Or the simple one? If I was preaching every week there would be no problem, simply because there wouldn’t be time to fuss. But in truth, I think I already know which one needs to be preached. One is safe, the other is risky. Who was it that said the spelling of faith is r-i-s-k?  I’ll let you know how it goes. Or maybe some of the congregation will!

The webcam has been sitting on my desk for a week. Not connected to the PC yet. As I drift bleary-eyed into a new day, I wonder why I ever thought it was a good idea.

Maybe tomorrow.

Took Misty on her first big walk from home this morning. We were following the route I used to take with Dana, the retriever. What would the new pup make of it, I thought?  Scrabbling at my legs to be lifted after it all got a bit too wilderness for her – that’s what.  She made better progress on the way home, and then proceeded to have a mad terrier turn once back in the house……..dashing at top speed in and out of all the rooms.

This little dog certainly fills the whole house.

I have a sermon to write for Sunday – an unusual occurrence these days. So what have I been doing?

Anything except sitting at my computer and writing it.
It was ever thus.

Should it be another rant about insurance companies? I have been involved in several telephone conversations again this morning about the recovery of my excess……

Should it be the second instalment of the Misty and siskin affair, whereby the bird was brought into the house for safe-keeping?  Not by human beings I hasten to add…

Should it be the story of the mail-order company who keep charging me for things that have never arrived? The fact that these “things” were knickers still makes it difficult to laugh it off.

Should it be the low water pressure meaning I could not have a shower first thing?

Should it be the email which will not open (and looks important)?

Or should it just be to say that the sunshine helps to make all these things less distressing? Think I shall stick with this one. At least it is more upbeat. A positive attitude helps us to deal with life after all.

Picture the scene…… a calm, frosty night and Misty’s last outing of the day into the garden. The Minder (me) idly watches the puppy snuffling under some plants next to the house. Suddenly, great excitement, Misty dives into the earth and emerges triumphant with something limp and mouse-like, then bounds off with the Minder in hot pursuit. If you have ever tried catching an exultant hunter by torch-light in a garden that has lots of hidden corners, you will know what ensued. I managed to get close enough to identify the prey as a dead siskin. It had probably broken its neck by flying into the window. Eventually, I summoned reinforcements, Him Behind the Wheel had the bright idea of rattling a tin of doggy-chocs. Misty appeared from under the hedge minus the bird and the day (or night) was saved. First job today is an all-out siskin hunt to remove the temptation. I don’t fancy a sick puppy spewing up feathers.

It is worth reflecting that diversion tactics often work better than head on assault. And I am sure that applies to humans as well as dogs. In any case, the 12-week old terrier can already run faster than either of the humans in the house. But we do have to try to remember that we are supposed to be pack leaders as well as more intelligent than her.

I have discovered that I may be a sick canary. You may like to take the test too, whilst I ponder how to get fitter. Even as I write that down I can hear a voice in my head saying – Don’t spend time thinking about it – just do it. Should get easier this week as the puppy is now allowed out and about. There has been a month of keeping her clear of other dogs and public places where other dogs wander. Now the excitement of introducing her to the big wide world begins. It is amazing how we see the world in new ways through the eyes of children and pets.