GregAndSuzanne

I feel a strange sense of contemplation today. Almost as if today is 31 December. It isn't, but I will ride the wave anyway. I watched a little youtube video recently and it really impacted me. The main point was to remind us of everything we have. Especially at this time when we often focus on what we want. You can view the video here . Here's an example: if you are reading and watching this on your phone, you are in the wealthier 33% of the world - owning a smartphone. That's awesome. This year I am hugely thankful for our little boy Etienne. He will be turning one soon. Don't get me wrong, he is HARD work. I often say that he is a pain in my [backside?]. I can probably count on my two hands, the number of nights I've had unbroken sleep in 2018. BUT there are many, many people who would give up almost everything to have the privilege of staying awake the whole night, just to hold their own crying baby. On a practical note, I am thankful for my bike. It has m...

Today was a football day. In my 12 years here in England we have never had the privilege of supporting the England team whilst qualifying for the  quarter finals of the world cup. We came together, many strangers uniting in passion and patriotism. As I was looking out over the crowd. Almost like the extended family all made it to a picnic. United under a cause. Celebrating victory. It was special.

If you hang around church or Christian ministry long enough, you're bound to come across prophecies (or encouragements) of the new... 'New season', 'new day', etc. We may be tempted to think that these are symptoms of a lack of creativity or just going through the motions. But we shouldn't be. The Bible, the living and active Word, is full of new: 'New creation', 'new mercies', 'I make all things new', 'I am doing a new thing'! God knows, we need the new! I believe it's a new day for me today. A new day for what God has called me to. A new day for ministry and mission and making the world a better and brighter place. I'm even listening to new music right now! And it could be a new day for you too ... He's in the business of new.

I can't believe our latest (and last!) addition to the family is two months old already! They say time flies when you're having fun... I wonder if it works for when you're feeling a little overwhelmed too?! In my mind, the last two months can be summarised like this: three is greater than two. Greater in every sense... More work, more running around, more nappies, more craziness... And more joy! It's weird how there is always room in our hearts to love more. Somehow, new people - especially new little people - have a unique, previously unused space in our hearts that cannot be taken up by anyone else. I like that. It's not always about how much time or effort you can set aside for people, but rather how much room we have in our hearts for them. Ideally, our affection will flow into time and attention. Of course, we can't really wait for that with babies... They don't do too well on their own! Luckily they're super cute, which is a great motivator! Anyw...