When the children were younger, they enjoyed watching ‘The A-Team’. In most episodes there was a problem to solve and the A-Team would help the good guys win… involving weapons and vehicles made from random parts. a shoot-out where nobody got injured and Hannibal (George Peppard), with a grin and a cigar, saying, ‘I love it when a plan comes together.’
Yesterday I learnt a new word… During the day the Seagull Theatre was set up for an evening ‘Sitzprobe’ of ‘We Will Rock You’. Apparently, ‘sitzprobe’ is a German word meaning ‘seated rehearsal’. For months actors and musicians have rehearsed separately. This time they’ll rehearse together. The actors will be seated – practicing introductions and cues. The first public performance is in two weeks’ time. The plan is coming together.
This weekend, about twelve miles away, on the Henham estate, the Latitude Festival is taking place. The TV report said that they’re expecting 150,000 who will enjoy the music, dance, comedy, poetry, theatre, literature, podcasts, science, family activities… Some of our friends are Chaplains and Festival Pastors, offering prayers, hand massages, blessings and glitter. Months of planning will come together.
On Thursday I met Lorraine. I haven’t seen her for some time. For years her husband John was a church minister. Last I heard they were somewhere in Kent planning to do something with church and bread-making. Chatting to Lorraine, looking on line: John now leads the ‘Bread of Life’ project, a micro-bakery, coffee shop and community hub, seeing church emerge among people who would be unlikely to attend regular church. The plan has come together.
I’m reminded of God’s planning: ‘For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ No cigar, no grin, no weapons – just the ordinary everyday personal stuff of listening for cues, prayers and glitter, bread and coffee, people and community – where God’s plan can come together in my life.
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