Today turned into one of those days when I ended up thinking life was so much less hassle when I was an engineer and wondering why did I need to spend four years studying theology to end up doing what I was doing.  There is some bad pseudo-Newtonian theology that would say that what was unfolding was the 'almost equal and opposite reaction' to the earlier post, but I refuse to believe it.  Just 'one of those days'.  After I'd done all I could I had a stupidly rapid turn around to get over to Girls' Brigade where I'd foolishly agreed to be 'inspecting officer' for the end of year award's night (crazily early 'even' by Scottish school year end but there you go).

It was the same old same old: little girls so excited they almost burst, earnestly singing with all thier might 'he's got the whole world in his hands' as the mums eagerly sought little Roxie's face and granny wiped away a few tears as Morag won the prize for best attendance.  I've been doing these things now, as a leader, for 29 years (scary! nearer 35 overall) and it ought to be meaningless but it's not.  Somewhere in those little girls' endeavours there was a reminder that it is all worthwhile... that the days you go home thinking 'I'll swing for you, so I will' (even in a middle of England accent!) are as nought compared with the joy in those little hearts.

And so, of course, it is with ministry.  Some days are just grot (and today wasn't all grot by any means) but they disappear in the glimspes of grace, the surprises of joy, the aha moments of new understanding, the uproarious laughter of divine humour... and a million other wonderful bits even of same old, same old.

So, whilst I really don't want too many days with the frustrations today brought (none from my regular 'flock' in case they are feeling worried!) the reality is that theology is non-Newtonian and there is is always a source of joy to be found if we are open to spotting it.  In the end, no matter if it would be easier and less hassle to be an engineer, it would never give me the beautiful moments that this calling does.  Likewise I may not have spent four years studying theology to deal with stuff that crops up, but the stuff that crops up ultimately shapes my theology.

(And now I'll get my tea!)