Official

It's official now. My ordination date agreed at presbytery last night is 10 July!!! Less than two weeks away. As it was called I was aware of a whole host of butterflies taking flight in my stomach, and now I'm nervous and in awe of the responsibility of my calling but I am so excited that a new journey is about to begin. I also have my first baptism booked for the 14th of July. So now on to the practicalities of holding a wriggling baby, saying the words and sprinkling the water at the same time as trying to look like you know what you're doing! Eeek!

Two weeks!

Only two weeks to go  and I feel challenged excited and at peace, It still doesn't seem quite real and asi look back at my journal from last are and see just how much my life has changed I am so thankful that God has been with me supporting me and keeping me in the hollow of His hand through trauma and joy. I still miss my Oldie more than I ever imagined and I know how proud he would have been and thou I got through both childrens weddings dry eyed I think my ordination might be rather more emotional! I've been conscious these last weeks of time flying by and so dipped again into Henri Nouens book a silence and a shoutin ( out of solitude) a bery short book of reflections leading into time spent in quietness and contemplation. It's easy to let " busyness crowd  God out"

Weddingd out

So I am now totally weddinged out! Had a super day at middle child's wedding so now all my offspring are married though two within a couple of months was a bit much! One of the nice things though was having the whole family ( all ten of us! ) together again so soon, totally unheard of! I must say I did question the wisdom of not taking the Sunday off when I was still up at 2 am! As I left to take the service I heard the youngest child take breakfast orders I was glad I had to go to church:) I was completely thrown when I looked down from the pulpit and spotted amongst the regular worshippers my oldest friend and her husband ( he's the most critical person I know) but I subdued the butterflies leaned back on God and just felt totally supported by the Holy Spirit! It's so true that when we are at our weakest God can use us most. The service went so well, to the point where our new brilliant young organist got so carried away during "for all the saints" he played an extra verse which we all sat down and listened to dont you just love it when theorgaistis so enthralled he gets lost in the moment! The congregation have welcomed me so warmly I feel very much at home and comfortable with them. It's also very humbling but really affirming when they tell you over your cup of tea that the miser on struck a real chord with them. I'm now only two weeks away from ordination and have never felt more convinced of Gods calling on
My life and the responsibility, enormity and privilege. On a lighter note Lucy the dogs dad thought my outfit for the wedding on Saturday would be perfect to wear on the night! Now is this for reason of economy or was he being sincere........

Farewll

Today I went back to my attachment to say farewell, and receive a presentation. I was given the most beautiful home communion set engraved with my name ( preceded by Reverend! How awesome is that!)  and a book of common order from my oldies. Of course tears werer shed , we've journeyed together through ups and downs, highs and lows. I'm still a bit awestruck to think that a month tomorrow, 10  July I will be Ordained. I was truly humbled by the remarks made at the door and after the service  and  go in the knowledge that God, the God who showed compassion on a bereft mother is still the same today and walks through very trial woe or joy beside us.

Locuming

Started as locum in a vacant charge yesterday! What a sense of responsibility I felt towards my fostered flock. I was pretty nervous but they were all really lovely and welcoming and the feedback was really positive, there was only one wee girl in the Sunday School but we had a wee chat together and involved the congregation in the childrens talk too. Now that the first Sunday is over and I know where things are etc it'll be a great experience hopefully for both congregation and me. So now I have to get a programme of parish visitation together but be realistic as to what I can do in one day plus a Sunday. This is where I put into practice my learning and serving covenant and  show that I can in fact say no when I have to:) it's all getting to seem very real now and I love it:)