On retreat

Tomorrow is Sept 1st of course, the month that in England at least marks the beginning of a new academic year.

And it is with the new academic year in mind that I am taking myself off to Launde Abbey for a few days of quiet reflection. For this year, September marks the beginning of my final year of ministerial training (it also marks much else, but more on that later in the week).

As yet I don't know how I will spend the next few days, apart from enjoying Launde's hospitality and participating in the daily fourfold cycle of worship.

What I do appreciate is the generosity of others that enable me to take time out (in particular Liz who is staying at home this time); the fact that I am sufficiently comfortable financially to pay for an individual retreat; and the commitment of so many people at Launde who will make the next few days really valuable.

Recognising our blessings and accepting them with all the grace with which they are freely offered is one way in which we can value ourselves and others. The next few days will be of little value to me if I fill them with guilt about what I'm not doing or who is not with me. The magnitude of that statement is clear given that our son Kieran leaves for a year in Uganda this coming Friday night.

So I leave for Launde in the morning, hugely supported by folks at home. The depth of that support can be seen in the family's recognition that part of my journey towards ordination must be travelled by me alone. It is my journey, and implicit in that is a sense of separation.

Yet none of us is truly ever alone, as we can never be separated from the love of God. And divine love is at its very best when revealed and shared within the human family.