So after a few heavy hints over a few years about doing more and listening to God’s plan and perfect time to become a vicar – make the change you want to see by being the change – all of which I laughed at and ignored. “Flattered but not interested” seemed to trip of my tongue quite regularly. None so deaf as those who don’t want to hear.
So while browsing the Diocese web site – admiring improvements in recent years I saw an advert for a Mindfulness Day. Now this excites me the principle on being at one, in the moment, appreciating the positive. That might be a good use of a Saturday.
Click to book screamed at me on the Eventbrite page. And then I saw the dreaded fully booked sign. 😦
Really…. finally a course I want to do and its fully booked……
So I clicked to see other events in the area. VOCATIONS DAY. Laughing I had a good browse and ignored it. I mean why would I want to go there I don’t want to be a vicar!!!
Then the emails started – informative news letters, Faith magazine all with vocational red flag. That drip feeding of suggestions that God has a habit if doing to catch you unaware. He is not daft!
Then the icing on the cake – the final push – I finally listened.
An email from my Rector with the email from the Diocese suggesting they “encourage” people to attend. His email read…
“Just saying!!!!!”
I gave in. What did I have to lose? What harm could it do? At least people would stop hinting!
OH BOY WAS I WRONG!
Turning up on that Saturday morning I was determined to go in with an open mind to think about everything that was said very carefully commit to nothing.
Anxiously I step through the door expecting the usual restrained C of E greeting.
I was hit with a wall of enthusiasm – a hand pumping smiley welcome. That in its self threw me. I had hoped to sneak in the back, listen then leave without any serious interaction. But being pounced on by a familiar face dragged over to meet others and engaged in conversation and made to drink exceptional coffee?!?!! Was I in the right place? This was everything I had been saying the church in general was lacking enthusiasm, drive, encouragement. I clearly wasn’t the only one taken aback but as the room filled up and the day began I suddenly felt relaxed and as if I might just be in the right place.
I had read about the Living Faith course but hearing a more detailed account it seemed that maybe it was the exact place I needed to be. I mean what harm could it do? It would give me a chance to deepen my faith through scripture, to meet new people and I would be actually doing something for me for a change. As any mother will tell you that’s a rare thing.
So I signed up. With my Rectors support, even if he did have a twinkle in his eye which seems to say GOT YA!!
My living faith journey 