This week, and to a degree, last week, has been charactrised by "hmm" moments.  From the out-of-the-blue contact from a school friend I last saw in 1971 (and a now almost sorted meet up later in the month) to the equally unexpected "I'm sure I know who that former organist is, and we were in the same place at the same time 30 years ago" to the "I know this sounds a bit strange but..." request from the organisation I vounteer with.

Each of these has encouraged and affirmed me - and each feels a little bit like Divine teasing, which makes me smile and restores my soul.

It has also been a week when there have been delightful surprises - not things that can yet be shared publicly, but  which have made my heart sing - all to do with our shared life as a local church.

And then the realisation that rule-follower me can be subversive precisely by following the rules!  I kind of knew that anyway, but perhaps in working on my experimental sermons, each a teeny bit subversive, I have re-connected with that part of my inner being.  It is a little known fact that rule-followers and good-children often get away with things that others might not!

In a few minutes I will be off out to share in one of my best-loved routine aspect of ministry - sharing Commuinion in the home of someone now housebound.

Next time I'm a bit melancholic or self-pitying, I hope weeks like this will serve as signposts of God's grace, love and sense of the ridiculous!