Moving into 2009

Last year I began, as I always do, with a sense of hope and some not uninteresting, I think, dreams of what I might work for both within and without the church. They were pretty much dashed in the lead up to Advent. I have been on leave since Christmas and with the current situation in Gaza and things unfolding in the congregation whilst I’m absent, hope isn’t really what I have in mind for this year. And no dreams seem to be on the horizon. Rather I’m weighed down by many hours given to thinking as to what might be needed to keep going and survive as a congregation and a minister in 2009. I have to admit that I went to bed early on New Year’s eve feeling rather ‘flattened’ by the reality about and beyond me. So, what do I hold on to? Sort of what I hear a couple of others saying, viz., to keep doing what I’m doing. Doesn’t seem much, and perhaps not very encouraging to some. But it’s what I’ve been reduced to. Keep faithfully doing according to my calling and ordination.