The second year has flown by even faster than the first. I feel properly settled in my home, in church, and at work. And yet, the past year has brought its own set of changes and challenges at work, at home, with family, among friends. Anxieties, hopes, celebrations, disappointments.
My mind takes longer to process things, emotions run high, and I have often been in need of more headspace. I have reduced my hours at work – and I find that a day off during the week is a regular reminder to me that life is not all about paid employment, and gives me time to catch up with to-do lists and freedom to spend more time with people.
I am making new friends and deepening friendships with others. I have joined a lovely choir. And I have seen the good news of the Christian faith being shared in many different contexts.
The summer has been particularly busy. Over the past few weeks, we have seen lots of visiting children in our Sunday sessions for kids. There has been a team of people on the beach engaging with families. Various people spent time in the town centre talking to people about their thoughts about God. I spent one morning with them, walking up and down the high street (with a friend who was wearing an inflatable horse and cowboy suit) inviting people to our church ‘Wild West’ themed holiday club, which is happening this week.
And several of us spent a week in the Scottish borders on an 11-14s camp, which despite the rain, exhaustion, and physical challenges, gave us so many opportunities to talk about Jesus. It was a joy to see teenagers think about the message of hope for themselves, but I am still recovering from the week! I haven’t been away for a break yet, although one of the delights of living here is that an ordinary day off by the sea can feel like an instant holiday.
There are always smaller everyday conversations to be had, with Christians and others, encouraging each other in what can seem like small ways but that can have a lasting impact. I am often not as bold as I should be, and there is a challenge to make more of our normal interactions with the people who “happen to be there”.
I asked my midweek small group to pray with me a few months back that I would use the space in my house and the time in my week well. I have had so many opportunities to use the house I’ve been given – from hosting meals, to family holidays, from friends visiting the coast, to beach team volunteers, and even Christmas.
Life still feels hectic at times. There are good days and bad days. I need to take my comfort from God’s faithful promises in the Bible, rather than the changeable attention of those around me. I am trying to recognise my own limitations, and think about how I can best use my free hours. I will undoubtedly make mistakes in every one of these things.
As I sit and look back, I can also look forward with confidence. I may not know what the next two years might hold, but I know that I face them with a loving church family, and an unchanging God.
