... nothing like the job spec, if there was such a thing, which there isn't.

The last few days have been totally off-script and maybe a tad off piste.

But today, as I exercised a ministry that is not in any theological text book or pastoral care course, I was reminded that this is precisely what ministry is: privilege.

Privilege to share the most personal and significant moments in the lives of others

Privilege to share with the most vulnerable of people

Privilege to expend your energy and love in situations that really matter

No amount of "sound doctrine" or "worthy preaching" counts for anything unless it finds its expression in love lived... faith without deeds is, as James so well expresses it, dead.

Time off totally failed... need to be careful and pace myself... but it is being pretty special right now.