Categories: uncategorized
Date: 27 June 2004 17:28:34
Well, as it happens, I was escorted to the concert by a handsome young man. Single, and of good family, with a wicked sense of humour and a dashing smile. Yes, when Tiddles heard that I was going alone, he begged to be allowed to come with me and, as he's been coping so well with later nights just lately, I decided to let him. I'm glad I did. He's such good company these days, and he thoroughly enjoyed what turned out to be an excellent show, despite having to fight to keep his eyes open towards the end.
The whole day went well, actually, and the rain didn't really detract from it much. Smudglet threw himself into the dancing at the summer fair with abandon, if not precisely the right moves in the right places, and I was really proud of him - especially as the group were predominantly girls and he didn't let that bother him. Then meeting my friends for tea at Godshill was also a success as they and the Smudgelets got on really well.
Smudgelet was a bit disappointed last night at Tiddles being allowed to go to the theatre with me. It's a hard lesson in life to learn to be glad for others at their good fortune instead of envying them, isn't it? I sometimes struggle with it too, although generally I don't suffer from envy as much as sometimes a little discontent. Still, Smudgelet was easily comforted with an exciting adventure of his own. He was allowed to go to Grandad's for a sleepover. Just imagine it... being allowed to go and sleep on Grandad's spare bed in a sleeping bag. I was delighted, actually, as it meant I didn't have to worry about what time we got in and Dad sitting uncomfortably babysitting. I was less delighted when he phoned at 6.30 a.m. to see if I was ready for him to come home!
He had a bit of a roasting. I mean, how does an intelligent child like him not realise that when I say "Get yourself ready for swimming," I actually mean for him to get his swimming bag ready too. We've only been going swimming on a Sunday morning for two years now, and it does take a bit of a while to establish a routine, doesn't it? Then he left without his bag of clothes to change into for church and we had to go back and get them. Finally he realised that, by not thinking ahead, he had managed not to pack any pants. He had to go to church commando style. Of course, I was very careful not to embarrass him in church by mentioning it really loudly to anybody.....
Interesting this morning the contrast between being in the Church of Fools and being in my own Methodist church. I enjoy both equally, and feel equally close to God in each, although they are so different. I must admit it was rather nice to be able to enjoy the service this morning without having to smite anybody! I was a bit busy with the music side of things, though. And it was funny: when M asked me if I'd play "Father I place into your hands the things I cannot do" on the accordion, I had expressed how much I dislike that hymn. The tune and the words don't match - the tune needs to go fast and jauntily, the words need a more slow and contemplative style - and the end line is just weak. But of course I agreed to play - along with several other good accordion ones. My opinion was borne out when the preacher announced that we'd sing "Father I place... " sitting down and singing it prayerfully. Quick change of plan. Accordion drops to the ground as I rush the music book over to G on the piano!
I was reading, too. I am growing to love that reading from 1John 4, 7-21. I used to find it a bit repetitive and convoluted, but then I suddenly saw it in a different light - John playing with words and plaiting them together, over and over, into a strong rope - love and love and love, God and Jesus, self and others, love and love and love. It's a beautiful reading, and such a strong message. Can I do it?
Interesting times ahead. I wonder what the future holds. One day at a time.