The last few days have seen some stark contrasts in Glasgow, a reminder if ever one were necessary of the complexity of human experience.  Even as I and my new companions in Christ were celebrating a new beginning, two teenage age girls felt that life was just too unbearable and chose to take their lives.  I absolutely do not accpet ideas of good/evil happy/sad dualism, and the headlines in no way destracted from my joy and happiness.  Just a reminder that there is work to do, that there are real, hurting people to be loved, and a God who, thankfully shares our joys and our sorrows.

May God in grace receive these two young lives with compassion and mercy, and may we who enjoy this life show it forth in all we do and are.