Changing Gear

For weeks I have been struggling to change gear in my little blue car. Some journeys have been completed mostly in 3rd gear, because it was too much of a struggle to get into any other. I’ve arrived fraught and with an aching left arm! The prayer lives of my passengers have been greatly strengthened [well done, especially, to Elisabeth who managed to navigate me, when our eventual arrival was clearly in doubt] But thank you to The Motor Co of Golf Course Lane, who replaced my clutch, and now it is almost like having a new car!

There are times when many of us struggle on through life, knowing it isn’t going quite right, but putting off doing What Needs To Be Done. We make excuses [Have I got time to put the car into the garage for a whole day?  Can I afford the repair bill? The car is so old, is it worth it?] but once it is fixed, things are wonderful again [It was only away for a day, and they sorted it very efficiently. Yes the repair bill seems huge – but somehow I will pay it. The car is too useful, and I cannot afford to replace it]

Just lately I have been over busy and over tired. Much of it my own fault I admit – but the intermittent dental pain hasn’t helped. But the calendar for June- August looks even worse. The trip to Salzburg then lots of lay preaching round the county and then the frenetic week of Holiday Club – with other stuff in between.

So Bob suggested I went away on a Retreat during Half Term. What a brilliant idea! I have never been able to do this before. Family, time, money always got in the way. I accept I need to change gear, slow down a little – so I am having my own time alone, away from it all – at Cornerstones!

• I shall read, pray and study
• I shall do some relaxing sewing
• I shall slow down
• I shall rest.
• I shall limit my time on the PC, and with the TV and radio [excepting, of course, The Archers!]
• I shall walk in the countryside, and sleep well at night.
• I shall be retreating in the Summerhouse!

So don’t expect lots of posts, and apologies if any emails or comments appear to be neglected for a day or two

God energizes those who get tired, he gives them fresh strength. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God will renew their strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.