Everyone seems to ask me the  same question. How do you feel about starting back  in the parish.  The answer is simple, every day is different.  So I feel different about every day. One thing I'm certain about is that I know there are few jobs that can offer more satisfaction. To be a minister of the Gospel is the greatest job in the world. 

Today  for instance I found myself  as a guest on Revival Radio. Its a local radio station that broadcasts out of Cumbernauld. I'm not sure how many people listen to the programme but it gave me an opportunity to share a little about the work of the Church of Scotland's Church and Society Council. Its a Council that really tries to connect with the political and moral issues that face the church as we seek to be a witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I was able to talk a little about the visit i made to Perth Prison last November  highlighting the work the Church is engaged with through the new family centres that are being developed alongside prisons. I even managed to get a track from my last album played.

It was then off to visit do some pastoral calls.

Its such a privilege to be allowed into people lives and to try and share some of the burdens that people carry around with them. I'm amazed at the resilience of so many people. Its hard for an elderly person having to leave their home and resettle in a nursing home.

Its never easy to listen to the struggles of men and women facing hard decisions about their relationships, especially when they feel its come to an end and the way ahead is nothing but more pain.

Its troubling to hear of someone struggling with illness and not getting the proper support.

Its a wonderful gift to find yourself  at the end of a day a guest at a friends table eating good food and enjoying a glass of wine.

We do live in a world of great contrasts. We need to open our eyes and see the needs around us and  also enjoy the bounty of God's marvellous creation.  As we drove home this evening we couldn't  help but notice a large watery mellow yellow  moon in the sky. It seemed to be telling me what I read on the wall of my study as I left this evening, " With God all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well."  Tonight I remember the resilient, the struggling, the troubled.  I also want to  rejoice with those who can see hope in the midst of fear and  loss.