It’s an African Saying…

‘If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.’

Yesterday I visited our church community café. About 30 of us, chatting, catching up with news…

…good news about holidays, new jobs, good exam results, a young man who’s been clean of drugs for two months…

…bad news about ongoing illnesses, unhappy families, uncertain futures, a devastating cancer diagnosis…

Our world is dominated by self-centred, self-protective, self-ambitious, self-anxious, self-sufficient individualism. Yesterday I was reminded how important it is to break down the isolation caused by the ‘self’ barriers.

If you want to go far… is about a caring, supportive community.

It takes a village to raise a child

I’ve had a wonderful week working with Isla who’s 15 and Charlie who’s 18…

I’ve often talked about ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ – in school, in church… the responsibility of each adult to value each child, be a positive role model… form good relationships with children in their community… each child learning from many adults.

This week I’ve spent time with grandchildren, Isla and Charlie. I’ve enjoyed being with them, appreciated their energy and humour, benefited from their kindness, gained fresh perspective… one adult learning from children…

It takes a village… is about valuing the vital importance of all cross-generational relationships.

The dancers have changed, but the drums are the same.

Isla and Charlie both love ‘The Seagull Theatre’. We talked about what the place will be like when they take over. It was a humorous conversation… but there was truth and realism there… one day it will be led by today’s teenagers.

I’m increasingly conscious that I’m getting older; many things that I’ve valued in life… church, theatre, education… are led by people younger than me.

My dancing ability is diminishing(!) but my continuing responsibility and joy is to teach the drum beat by word and example…

The dancers are continually changing… I hope and pray that the drum beat will continue…