Growing

I spent some time today starting the mammoth task of tidying (shock horror!) my office. I came across the paperwork for my candidacy for ministry. I read through all my assessment reports and end of placement reviews. Its only three years since I began my training but 4 since my first personal development interview. But boy have I changed!

The way I express myself, the way I self-reflect, the way I reflect the practices of others.....I almost sound like a grown-up now lol!

But seriously this rag doll has been on one big journey these last 4 years - an exciting, roller coaster of a journey. But I think I like the 2008 rag doll more than the 2004 model. I guess that is what the whole process has been about. Few who start this journey start as the perfect model and complete it unchanged. I have watched my colleagues and seen the changes in them; I compare myself to them and wonder if I can ever be as good as them and wonder what it is about me that God has spotted that puts me in amongst this group. But he has chosen me to be part of this wonderful group and I rejoice.

In a few weeks time I start probation and the closer it gets the more excited I get about it. It is the next stage of the journey for me and I know I will not be the same person at the end of it. This rag doll will be remodelled!! But whatever happens God will be there all way. I have to trust in him.

Lord God, you know me and love me. May the next few months be the continuation of my exciting journey as you continue to prepare me to be a minister of your word and sacrament. Be alongside me and my family as we journey together, give us patience and tolerance to keep us calm, a sense of humour to lift us and buckets of love to sustain us.

Amen