Reflecting on Change
Well its another working day and I'm back at my desk. This time last week I was walking around Lima doing a bit of shopping and having a coffee before catching the plane. Anyway it all seems a long time ago - when you get back into the cut and thrust of parish life, so much can happen in a day that your left thinking did that happen yesterday or the day before.
Switching on and off emotions is one of the hardest things you have to do in this job. I don't know about you but looking at the video of the home under water makes me feel very sad. I saw a quote the other day it says it all " When you spend years building someone or something could destroy overnight. Build anyway!" I think we are people of resurrection. I've been so encouraged by the rsponse of those who are in a position to help. I know of a few people who have offfered support andI know one donor in particular who has been an inspiration to us all with his support and generosity at this time. What has happens in Peru literally can happen in this country in the spiritual world. You can spend your life building an idea or a community and it can all disappear overnight. What is important is the now and also understanding that God is in the business of pruning and cleaning as well as fruit gathering. We were reminded of this when Alec Carstairs the treasurer of the Vine Trust reminded us in our joint Board meeting that in order for growth to continue sometimes we also have to be willing to make changes. I'm sure we all have to learn this lesson time and time again.
