Three tiny words but use them together and what a powerful statement! Before I left Norwich I used to think that a lot. Is this it? I would look at my life and what I’ve got and wonder what was wrong with me? Why am I not satisfied with this? I have a job that I trained to do, part of a brilliant church which I can honestly call family, decent salary, lovely house, loads of friends, car and other material assets, but still I harboured unrest and uncertainty. This can’t be it?
This last week since leaving Norwich I have been watching the Lord of the Rings with my family so we could all bask in the wonder of Blue-ray. I know it’s laughable but it has really challenged me as certain lines kept hitting home and making me remember certain things God has promised. There was one particular part in the third film, Return of the King, where Frodo appears ready to give up his quest when Galadriel appears to him and says “ this task was appointed to you, if you do not find a way no one will”. I read somewhere that God has assigned us tasks to do, that only we can do (sorry am unable to remember where I read it but if you want to know I’ll do my best to find it again) and I have a pressing sense of urgency about what mine could be and want to stay alert for opportunities to allow God to use me in new and surprising ways. I know God has promised many things which I am yet to see in my life, but I want to nurture a life of patience and obedience while waiting for them to come to fruition.
In The Two Towers (second LOTR), Theodan, King of Rohan was commanding an army against an attack on Helms Deep which was believed to be impenetrable. ‘Safe’ behind his walls he gloats “Is this it?” right before the one weakness of the fort is blown apart and the city is breached. How arrogant and smug these three words become when used in context. I reproach myself for taking for granted how good I had life in Norwich as I fear a battle is going to commence now God has taken me out of my comfort zone and removed my securities to prepare me for what lies ahead. I pray God blows up the arrogance in me and uses my weakness for his glory - 2 Corinthians 12:10.
Enough of the serious stuff, but I do wish to emphasise that the above is in no way an attempt at some rich theological discussion, but the humble observations of a simple mind. I should however thank Emma Colthup, who I greatly admire, for her assistance in naming the LOTR characters - her knowledge of these three films is incredible!
Onward and upwards
This last week since leaving Norwich I have been watching the Lord of the Rings with my family so we could all bask in the wonder of Blue-ray. I know it’s laughable but it has really challenged me as certain lines kept hitting home and making me remember certain things God has promised. There was one particular part in the third film, Return of the King, where Frodo appears ready to give up his quest when Galadriel appears to him and says “ this task was appointed to you, if you do not find a way no one will”. I read somewhere that God has assigned us tasks to do, that only we can do (sorry am unable to remember where I read it but if you want to know I’ll do my best to find it again) and I have a pressing sense of urgency about what mine could be and want to stay alert for opportunities to allow God to use me in new and surprising ways. I know God has promised many things which I am yet to see in my life, but I want to nurture a life of patience and obedience while waiting for them to come to fruition.
In The Two Towers (second LOTR), Theodan, King of Rohan was commanding an army against an attack on Helms Deep which was believed to be impenetrable. ‘Safe’ behind his walls he gloats “Is this it?” right before the one weakness of the fort is blown apart and the city is breached. How arrogant and smug these three words become when used in context. I reproach myself for taking for granted how good I had life in Norwich as I fear a battle is going to commence now God has taken me out of my comfort zone and removed my securities to prepare me for what lies ahead. I pray God blows up the arrogance in me and uses my weakness for his glory - 2 Corinthians 12:10.
Enough of the serious stuff, but I do wish to emphasise that the above is in no way an attempt at some rich theological discussion, but the humble observations of a simple mind. I should however thank Emma Colthup, who I greatly admire, for her assistance in naming the LOTR characters - her knowledge of these three films is incredible!
Onward and upwards
Quite literally as I have now travelled North West and am situated in my new home. I’m sure it would amuse you to know that when going to the supermarket after arrival I got very lost and ended up driving round for an hour as I hadn’t taken my Sat nat. All I had to do was go back to the main road and turn left, go straight for a couple of miles and then I would be there. Lesson learned, don’t leave home unprepared without satellite navigation.
Already I have had incidents of Southern friends not understanding my accent during phone calls and I fear it will get worse. I have decided to do a small glossary for you of words people have struggled with thus far:
Cob = bread roll/bap
Nesh = referring to feeling the cold
Mardy = sulking/having a tantrum
Chuntering = moaning under your breath
Snap = food, predominantly one’s lunch
Spice = sweets/candy
Frock = dress
Lass = girl
Dough = money
I have always wanted to be bi-lingual.
Anyway home provided the usual comforts of home cooking, such as stew and dumplings ( good northern grub) and being called duck and flower by strangers. Thanks to all who have text, emailed or called and incorporated this into our conversations.
A very dear friend said to me recently, “ends are always sad, beginnings are always scary but it’s the middle part that really matters“. As the first two have already proven to be very true I endeavour to make the middle part of this chapter of life matter. I am about to retire to bed and am nervous but excited about what the first day of the rest of my life holds.
Before I do though I have to leave you with a picture of the rather bizarre 'park’ across the road from my new house. I wasn’t sure what to make of it to start with but I’m finding it rather funny!
Already I have had incidents of Southern friends not understanding my accent during phone calls and I fear it will get worse. I have decided to do a small glossary for you of words people have struggled with thus far:
Cob = bread roll/bap
Nesh = referring to feeling the cold
Mardy = sulking/having a tantrum
Chuntering = moaning under your breath
Snap = food, predominantly one’s lunch
Spice = sweets/candy
Frock = dress
Lass = girl
Dough = money
I have always wanted to be bi-lingual.
Anyway home provided the usual comforts of home cooking, such as stew and dumplings ( good northern grub) and being called duck and flower by strangers. Thanks to all who have text, emailed or called and incorporated this into our conversations.
A very dear friend said to me recently, “ends are always sad, beginnings are always scary but it’s the middle part that really matters“. As the first two have already proven to be very true I endeavour to make the middle part of this chapter of life matter. I am about to retire to bed and am nervous but excited about what the first day of the rest of my life holds.
Before I do though I have to leave you with a picture of the rather bizarre 'park’ across the road from my new house. I wasn’t sure what to make of it to start with but I’m finding it rather funny!
Ephesians 2.10?
ReplyDelete"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." - eph 2:10
ReplyDelete