Last night was our church ‘Home Group’. 11 of us sat in our lounge, chatting, reflecting, praying about work, home, health, church… our journeys through life…
We looked in our rear-view mirror at where we’ve been recently; we looked around at our current location – our present situations; we looked through the windscreen at where we would be travelling soon…
Our conversation included:
Hazards… Difficult decisions to make… preparing for the unexpected… a careful awareness of what’s there and can’t be avoided.
‘My bradycardia episodes have continued…’ ‘My sister-in-law’s still grieving over my brother’s death…’
Children… grandchildren. Loving, supporting, encouraging, advising… providing materially, emotionally… letting go.
‘Our daughter has an interview soon…’ ‘Our grandson’s just started nursery…’
Elderly… The health and welfare of aging parents…appropriate homes and care… deteriorating minds and bodies…
‘My parents have just moved…’ ‘My parents are about to move…’ ‘My parent’s moving in with us…’
Junctions… Continuing on current road or changing direction?… relationships, responsibilities… making wise choices.
‘Our daughter hasn’t been to church for years. Recently we discussed faith. She’s intending to come to church…’ ‘Our granddaughter’s choosing which university to go to…’
Stop… Activities or employment must stop… reviewing, taking stock… being sure where the ‘stop’ line is…
‘After many years our church Boys Brigade has just finished…’ ‘I’m really looking forward to retirement. Not long to go now…’
Don’t stop… Through choice or necessity we must keep going… needing sufficient fuel… pausing for a picnic is tempting but we mustn’t.
‘October is going to be really busy for me. It looks crazy!…’
Speed limit… Learning to pace ourselves, prioritising, conserving energy, recognising limitations…
‘Well you can’t do everything!’
Restrictions End… Hazards have passed, difficulties have been negotiated, the road ahead appears clearer.
‘The problems that I had at work last week have eased…’ ‘It is well with my soul…’
The destination… We recalled the Queen’s funeral last week… reaching the destination successfully… a completed journey.
‘Well done good and faithful servant.’
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