Free

I was on the phone to an angry person today.

They hadn't received something and were unhappy and wanted me to know about it.

It was to do with something they were going to get for free and when I mentioned this, they said the following:

'I know it's free, but I'm asking for it on my terms, not yours. That's not too much to ask is it?'

I'm sure they were being angry and weren't aware of the astute theological observation they had just made.

I hope to be able to remember my shock in response to that statement next time I am tempted to moan at God about something not being quite in line with how I want things to be in what is a life full of blessing and love.

To enjoy the free things given to me, not try to manipulate them into working out on my terms.

Dictionary Corner

I like the word 'thrive'.

There's plans afoot in my part of the world to start something new in our neighbourhood, and thrive is the word in my head over the last few days once again and would I'd love the project to be referred to by this one word. But it's not all my decision as to what the name will be but I would dream that helping others to thrive is the very least the project would achieve in this community.

So here's the etymological bit:

thrive (thrv)
intr.v. thrived or throve (thrv), thrived or thriv·en (thrvn), thriv·ing, thrives
1. To make steady progress; prosper.
2. To grow vigourously; flourish

I like that the word is realistic- you can't grow vigourously without first making steady progress.

I pray that for you, today would bring steady progress that leads to you growing vigourously. Flourishing.

In short, that you would thrive.

How To Save O-Live

I write today with compost on my keyboard. It has been my first attempt at repotting the olive tree that we purchased from the Eden Project and over the last seven weeks has become increasingly poorly.

As I got my hands dirty and carefully removed Olive from her plastic pot to a larger metal pot I was reminded that sometimes you need to be in new surroundings to ensure that you have continued life, rather stay in a place that is not enabling you to thrive.

And I wonder why it is easy to do this for plants, but not so easy for me to do for myself.

I Might Be Wrong

I finally saw Radiohead play live on Saturday night. A full eleven years since I gave up my tickets (yes, in 1997-the OK Computer era) to take part in a mission as part of my church ministry training).

I enjoyed myself but Rachel and I were left to discuss the merits of their approach to playing live. No simple matter of just playing the greatest hits for this band. You get all the new stuff, a few older classics but certainly none of the greatest hits. My personal favourite, Paranoid Android, got an airing on the Friday gig but not at the show I attended.

Now, you could say that the paying crowd should get what they have come for, and bands like U2 and Rolling Stones certainly make sure they play the hits that the people coming to the show know and love them for.

But I can't shake the feeling that Radiohead's approach to not being what the crowd expect can give me an insight into what happened when Jesus' preaching caused a whole bunch of people to get up and walk home. Was it when they didn't hear what they expected to hear from a rabbi's teaching that they walked?

And I was reminded that it not always the right move to court the popular path. Sometimes what you think is right will get you into conflict, especially if you you present something different to what is expected.

Opening It Up To The Floor

Time for some interaction for anyone who is out there.

One of the assignments I am working on at the moment is a youthwork session for 11-15year olds on the topic of Jesus' teaching that serving others is real greatness.

Part of the session has to include a film clip that backs up the key point.

So far today, I've not been able to think of a single well known film clip where there is a clear demonstration of choosing to serve others above themselves.

Any ideas? I promise I'll give credit to anyone who comes up with an idea that makes it into the completed session.

Maybe Hollywood is just not on board with the idea of serving others.

Air Banding

A summary of why rock music is brilliant. A deleted scene that acts as a reminder that I am overdue a viewing of one of my favourite films of all time. And also a celebration of the fact that I have worked out how to embed video clips into blog posts.

Light Relief

To all those who thought that Paul would never work as the name of a place to live. And for anyone who has ever felt present but half a mile a way at the same time.

Stealing Time

Occasionally I get to write on this blog as I have no-one else to talk to. Tonight, for the first time since 26th April, I am alone in the flat I now share with my wife who is away in Europe with work.

And the flat already feels empty. There is space that would normally be filled with me expressing the frustrations of the day, making little in-jokes and many bad puns, chewing over issues of theology and how we want to be better followers of Jesus.

I'm frustrated as I was supposed to use this time to complete one or both of the two writing assignments I have left half finished.

It's not because I'm lonely or bored or apathetic or afraid. I'm just plain tired.

My job involves listening to lots of complaints and trying to resolve them, and for tonight, this state of ungrace has polluted me to the point at which I cannot honestly write about hope and change.

So I'm frustrated at being worn down and unable to do the things I have to get done and want to get done. And weary from the ongoing problem of doing jobs I don't enjoy doing that stop me being able to do the things I do enjoy doing.

It's a dangerous place to be in, and I'm reminded again of the need to steal time for the things you love. But today I'm aware of the need to ensure that there is ample energy and creativity on tap to be able to make the most of the chores and tasks that you do enjoy.