Well, you’ll have noticed I blog here in fits and starts – has always been the way over the last 20+ years of writing here, but I generally only pop by here when there’s something I sense the nudge to reflect on and share. Also, very practically, it’s been a rather busy (and a tiny bit unsettling) period of moving house from Lamlash to Brodick. Renovating a house in the midst of a full-time ministry, with other responsibilities, has been ‘interesting’. Immensely grateful, however, that the Lord has provided this home to give some security to our family, but also to the ministry.
I’m due to go away on a few trips. People have been nagging me to go away! I’m sure they’re thinking of my wellbeing rather than being fed up, but then, I’m fed up of the sound of my own voice so I wouldn’t blame anyone wanting to get rid for a while!
The first is likely to be to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. I go here when I get the ‘nudge’ to come, and have found that God consistently invites me there. I think he has a way of using that place to remind me of my story and the absolute continuity of his presence in my life. It is a place where God was catching my attention even before I knew there was a God who wanted my attention caught. It’s 30 years this year (October) since I started to follow Jesus. Feel like I’ve only just begun! Practically, it means a few undistracted days just to get quiet and anonymous enough to be with the Lord. The quieter you are, the more you can hear! I don’t exactly know when I’ll be able to slot this in, and might not be before trip two below, but I know I need to go!
The second trip is likely to be to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. This one is a bit more booked in! In early June, Pentecost weekend, I’m travelling with one of my leadership team, Peter, to the Revival Conference at Martins Memorial Church in Stornoway. It’s been close to 20 years since I’ve been to Lewis and, again, I suspect God has something to say. Plus, I need some time away and get some input into my heart and mind, having had a very solid period ‘giving out’ here at home. The summer gives time for a bit of flexibility.
Thirdly, Mrs C and I celebrate 25 years of marriage this summer – Silver wedding anniversary. We’re off for a sunny holiday in Tenerife just to chill out together – child free!
Arran is the kind of place you have to kind of tear yourself away from. Today, driving back from a new church project down in the south of the island at Kildonan, I came through the most beautiful weather, scenery, communities and everything…honestly, it is a beautiful paradise and its so homely. I often feel much more content to come back than I do to leave!
So, some journeys ahead. Mini pilgrimages of one sort or another. Time to seek God, yes, but also some rest and some needed human connection away from the ‘front line’ of things. I’ve learned over the years that these times are so important and, although this last nine months or so with house renovations have curtailed that slightly, I’m pleased to get the travelling clothes on and pootle off for a bit.
Andrew S M Clark 