Monday morning blues?!

It was a good week in some ways - the first proper full week back at work in 3 weeks after recovering from a chest infection, and although I am still not 100% better it was really good to be back in the pulpit on sunday morning with one of my churches where I had not been for 8 weeks .... I had missed being with them!  

This week was also our 3rd wedding anniversary and we we out for a meal on the day, a trip to a 60's concert later in the week and even went out for a but one get one free all you can eat breakfast with the extra hour yesterday......but in fact I'm tired.... .not only physically but emotionally and spiritually too.

Although I don't feel greatly stressed about the stationing process which happens shortly... the constant questions (from people who I know are genuinely interested and concerned and want to be as supportive as possible) is tough but I think that it's the not knowing that makes it tough - not so much not knowing where I am going, but when I am going to visit - it's like my life is on hold and I can't plan to do things for about 10 days "just in case"  but in that there is as much - if not more work to do than every - especially running up to Advent and Christmas. My to do list is potty (but then I suspect many others are too!) and I am weary even when I look at it. On top of that, we need somehow to make our house respectable enough for new ministers to come and look round - and with the amount of stuff we have - it  feels like an uphill struggle...

I'm sure it'll work out okay (past experience has shown that it does - thank you God!) but for now I plod on .... and remember the words I spoke in a service last night when I said that I loved looking at water (Sea, river or even a mucky ditch!) for it seems to bring me closer to God, help me sort out my problems and inspire me to do things

And so I am looking forward to a long weekend away in Devon from Friday - Where I intend to rest, to walk along the beach and spend time with God (as well as Andrew, his sister and husband) taking strength from Jesus' words ....

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11: 28 - 30)

And I'm glad to say, that even though the list is long - I don't feel in the slightest bit guilty for going away .... I know it will do me the world of good and give Andrew and I the rest and strength we need ready for those visits (whenever they are!)

The pictures below are not of Devon ... but water I have watched and enjoyed!