Categories: uncategorized
Date: 08 July 2004 20:08:47
Sadly, though son wanted to go back to our house tonight, but only temporarily, the result of something which happened at play. On the whole, son has got on well with the other children - it's a strange feeling, to watch him, improvising, recognising one or two mannerisms already.
It's been a significant week for me. I left home, determined to have a meeting with God. Things haven't been going too well in that department recently, and I had bought a book which I didn't start to read until we arrived here. It's called "Ruthless Trust", and it's written by Brennan Manning (who wrote "The Ragamuffin Gospel"). My first impression wasn't altogether good - there seemed to be a lot of mutual back-slapping going on. Names such as Richard Foster, Philip Yancey, and Henri Nouwen appeared, causing me to wonder if there is a cabal of American religious writers, establishing some kind of new orthodoxy. Brennan Manning has been a favourite of mine, ever since I read "Ragamuffin Gospel". He has captured for me the essence of following Jesus. The disciple of Jesus is a ragamuffin - bedraggled, having placed his or her hope entirely in this man. The rich and powerful look on, while the poor, the lame, the blind, those who have no abilities of their own, climb up to heaven, hanging on to Jesus' coat tails. I'm paraphrasing somewhat.
It was probably a good sign that I started to get angry with what Manning was saying. And then I lost a little radio which I enjoy listening to. Instead of helping me to remember where I'd put it, God seemed to be saying "forget it, it isn't important". And as I accepted what was really a trivial misfortune, even with gratitude, I felt that I'd journeyed a little towards the heart of God. I have to admit, though, to feeling a surge of joy this evening at tea when one of the staff came up to our table and asked "did you lose something?"
So here am I, even with a little help having gained access to the computer again. The lounge is crowded with people watching "Cats and Dogs". For some reason I don't enjoy the video experience. We've had a good holiday ...