One morning I visited Spud, a colleague headteacher. Spud was a gentle, smiley man, loved by children, staff, parents and his local community. We talked about children, local families, complained about the ‘latest initiative’. I joined them in their school assembly…
Spud talked about Mr Smith and Mr Jones, two builders who each built a house… rambling into Jesus’ story of wise Mr Smith building his house on rock and foolish man Mr Jones building his house on sand.
He dramatically described wind, rain and floods, concluding with some moral about the children building their lives on firm foundations of hard work, honesty, courage, friendship and loyalty.
This week’s church newsletter announces: ‘Esther has been in training for Ministry for the last 6 years. Firstly, as a Chaplain with The Light College and then over the past 3 years as a Pioneer Minister with the Northern Baptist College.’
Esther joined our church family about 20 years ago as our Community Worker. Her life already had a firm foundation – brought up in a local Anglican church, studying at university and Bible College…
She built on that foundation – church and community involvement, marrying Leon, becoming mother to Elise and Maya, organising events, leading courses, establishing relationships, deepening faith… Last Saturday Esther celebrated the conclusion of her Ministerial training.
Esther, with her family, continues to build her life…
Musing on…
…Jesus’ original introduction to Spud’s story: ‘…everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.’ – Building is practical!
…Esther’s life building, my life building… not identical houses built cheaply on some estate. We’re each unique, designed to an individual specification with bespoke details…
…Experienced, expert life-builders who have helped me build my life thus far – with gratitude
… Although the building of my life is largely complete, I’m still building each day…
…St Peter’s eight building blocks of faith… goodness… knowledge… self-control… perseverance… godliness… brotherly kindness and love…’
malcolmsmusings.org 