Been a busy few days - good on the whole - and illustrative of this crazy world of being a minister.

Wednesday afternoon was one of those privilege moments when the hard work pays off, as the funeral for baby R went off smoothly, with a sense of peace and completion, release and hope.  There were a few smiles amidst the tears, and a sense that this young couple would be 'OK' despite all they'd experienced.  And one of those 'Holy Spirit' moments when I walked across the grass to meet them (they were too timid to approach the great wooden doors of the chapel) and the mother asked if I could read a poem they'd found on the internet... which was one I'd found in one of my numerous books and then discarded as I didn't have their permission up front to use it.  'Born too soon' is not too mawkish and reflects the mixed feelings such an occasion brings.

Thursday and the discovery of what first class train travel means these days - and that it is no guarantee of them having the food listed on the menu!  Endless cups of free tea and time to read made for a pleasant journey.  The Smoke was mobbed, and I abandoned a visit to the National Gallery as it resembled Blackpool Prom.  Even so, I had a great and useful meeting with R & C whose wedding I will conducting later this year.  It was great to discuss the service with someone who understands about 'mood' and 'movement' through an act of worship, and a couple so obviously at ease with each other.

After a day of sorting and shredding, it was good to have our songs of praise service today.  Church folk were rather thin on the ground, though those who did come brought lots of cake, and I was very glad of around a dozen lunch club people who had come to sing the things they'd chosen.  With the three-fold theme of creation, the cross and God-in-the-everyday the songs formed the basis for a lovely act of worship.  After a couple of cuppas and at least three cakes each (plus a doggy bag) everyone wended their way home.

A very mixed few days then.  Three people I encountered shared the same forename, and the diversity of their circumstances was striking.  The week saw joy and sorrow, laughter and tears, hellos and goodbyes, planning and delivering, God-moments and earthy-moments.  Somewhere in the mix was blessing - given, received, shared.  A week when I know why this is what I am, and why I can do no other...