I love having my grandchildren around. At present our oldest granddaughter is living with us - keeping us on our toes. Lots of talking, lots of why's & how's and much fun!
Last Wednesday we were walking around Oxford whilst Charles attended a consultation at CMS headquarters. It was fun to see the historic buildings through new eyes. Gillian has spent the last 7 years living in Bulgaria, and she was amazed at the rich architectural heritage we have. "Look at that!" - must have been said at least 50 times.
I came across an amazing book a couple of years ago entitled "Presence" by Patsy Rodenhurst. We've all met people who are physically present and yet appear not to be there - they have no personal presence and go largely unnoticed. On the contrary there are those so much present you feel ready to run for cover! The book explores this dynamic and teaches you how to be more aware and alive to every situation. Food tastes better - eaten with 'presence', you are less likely to be mugged or run over - because 'presence' and alertness are bed-fellows.
Charles and I read this book aloud to each other whilst camping in Spain. I had been up to the washrooms and was returning to our site thinking about the book, and was walking head down not aware of my surroundings - just lost in my own little world. Charles was watching me and said, "Now go back and walk with 'presence' - I did so laughing as I came back holding my head up, looking around and with a spring in my step. He remarked that I looked years younger!
Gillian is exploring many aspects of life and her enthusiasm, presence and joy is great fun. I believe that this is what Jesus was referring to when he said he had come to give us abundant life. Celebrate being alive, we live in an amazing country, focus on the positive and not the negative.
"Anyone selected out for life has hope, for, as they say, "A living dog is better than a dead lion." Ecclesiastes 9:4
Seize Life! God takes pleasure in your pleasure
