The wanderer returns

So I've made it back home! The week in the Dales finished with a cloudy day in Leyburn and some shopping there and in Masham.
It's been a good week - time to reflect - time to relax - time to walk and enjoy the freedom of no schedules, deadlines or timetables, no meetings and no 'have to do' reading.
I did read a whole book though - Karen Armstrong's 'Through the narrow Gate' http://www.amazon.co.uk/Through-Narrow-Gate-Memoir-Convent/dp/0006550541/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246264192&sr=8-9
This account of her experiences as a Roman Catholic nun was fascinating and the contrast between the harsh self debasing initiation into the order and my training for URC ministry is stark. She as a novice nun had to attempt to lose all of the self she entered the convent with - had to try to give herself totally to God who her trainers seem to think wanted a totally blank canvas/personality to work with. All of her personality was to be stripped away - all her gifts and talents were to be swept away. I give thanks for the way in which those charged with my training have encouraged me to seek my God given gifts and to use them for his service. Rather than sweeping away the person I was when I started the journey, that person has been built up and strengthened for God's service.

My journey home to Suffolk was punctuated by visits to family in Nottinghamshire - sister-in-law Sandra, brother & his 2nd wife (also my nephew & one of John's step-daughter); and my mother. It was good to see them all.

It's good to be home, but there is a slight sense of trepidation - as if I can't put off those things that need to be done before ordination. Practical things like the service, cleaning the house (especially the study), and meeting new people; and other less tangible things such as a sense of trepidation as I begin to recognise the task God has given me. But unlike Karen Armstrong, I know that I will be supported by colleagues and friends and will hopefully be able, with God's help, to undertake all he requires of me.