In the business of the day, I have escaped for a while as hubby looks after the 3 young ones! I'm looking forward to a long soak in the bath with lots of the Christmas gifts I received - bubble bath, bath spa, scented candles and lots of Turkish delight! But I thought I might just reflect for a while on the year gone.
It's been an odd year. The arrival of our beautiful son was most definitely the highlight of the year yet the memories of a most unexpected surgical delivery marred the experience (after the boy turned, deciding that he would like to come out 'foot' first, which was only spotted by the midwife when I was at the stage of delivering him ... and that was only after what seemed to be 20 minutes of contractions and took the midwife by surprise - it was my 5th so I knew I'd deliver quickly but that was fast!!). Delighting in our new bundle of joy reminded me of how precious our children are and also of those babies that never were for us, entrusted to the care of the Lord, so it was joy tinged with sadness too. He is the most charming we boy and I am so amazed by him. I was chatting to my friend about the love we have for our kids and she said it's not a case of spreading the love more, we actually have more love to give. I think she speaks the words of a very wise woman!
Being on maternity leave has meant that all my time has been spent with the children, which has just been so special. Life doesn't get much better than this ... I wish I was young enough to have another 5 but, alas, I suspect that I am probably at the 'use by date' stage of life and unfortunately time doesn't stand still! It has also meant that I notice (and get extremely hacked off with) everything in the house that needs cleaned, mended, changed, decorated ... etc! I hate a messy house and try to have it tidy enough for me to enjoy, as well as those who visit. Hospitality is very important to me and I like the family and anyone who visits to feel very much at home. After recovering from surgery I was able to do lots of cooking, which I enjoy, with lots of family meals most nights and Christmas has been a never-ending cooking season! I have only myself to blame for all those extra calories so I will begin 2008 with the usual goal of loosing weight and getting fitter. I think the whole family have been more conscious about having a healthy diet this year. I had to watch my diet when I was pregnant to control pregnancy diabetes. Investing in some new bikes and a double trail-buggy (for the young ones) in the summer was a good kick start to improving fitness too so I hope we will get lots of use out of them when the weather is better.
I've missed not using my brain as much this year and although I have done some writing (for a book I'm working on) I feel a bit brain dead. My husband bought me 2 brain train games for the Nintendo DS for Christmas so I've been enjoying those. We decided to get Sky TV after I had the baby as we knew I'd be a bit house bound for a bit and don't do idleness well! However, I did become very comfortable being a 'couch potato' for a while, overindulging in the comedy and film channels, so perhaps a habit to kick as the new year begins.
Ministry wise - I'm looking forward to the launch of the new Children's Ministry Network at the first conference in Perth on the 26th January at Lethem St Mark's Church, and to the development of the network as a new resource and source of support for children's workers - much more support for workers is required and there are a number of denominations behind this new venture. I have been reflecting too on models of ministry and what is, and isn't, working with today's children, particularly here in Scotland. I suppose old habits die hard and although I am very aware of lots of effort that goes in to work with children in our churches I feel we are not serving our children or children's workers well by allowing investment (in time, money and effort) in poor practises and methods that are not well thought out. Sometimes it's the blind leading the blind because no one will step up and help. Leaders and workers burn out because they feel they need to dream up newer and better ideas for the most creative experiences that children can have. Or they feel overwhelmed with the responsibility of not only teaching scripture but having to do it in a super cool or elaborate way. We need to speak 'release' to those who feel burdened or isolated in their role before they burn out or bail out!! The most important thing we can give children is ourselves!!! Turning up with a pure heart and a desire to accept them as they are and to share of our relationship with the Lord is the most effective resource we will ever have. That will never change! We can only introduce someone to the person of Jesus at the level we know him ourselves. Our relationship with Him should never come second to the 'work' we do for Him, for the work is only of any use when it pours from a selfless heart of worship in adoration for the Lord, as we try to be all that we can be for Him wherever He has called us.
Children are a blessing beyond words and God esteems them with great honour. Please take time to pray for the children you know and those you don't know - particularly those who are experiencing hurt, fear, poverty and illness - intercede for them, those who minister to them and those who have the power to change their lives for the better.
I give thanks for those who touch my live - my family and my friends whom I love and admire in so many ways. I know I am truly blessed and I am so grateful for the amazing things the Lord has done for me.
May you know God's richest blessings, joy and peace in the year to come, and the care and love of Him who gave Himself for us.