Holidays and Ironing

At last the holidays have arrived. The last few weeks have been about trying to fit in as much as possible. Like many I find myself trying to fit in the things I haven't had time for before, believing that in two weeks I might manage to fit them in. This year the efforts to get the hoped for visits done has been further complicated by a number of my folk dealing with various forms of cancer. One particular case changing from an easily managed form to a form that has far graver consequences, and much more devastating an impact to be had on both the family and the wider circle of friends.

All of these things made last week's readings of healing and generosity all the more poignant as we journeyed towards a celebration of communion. Tears were shed by some, including the minister, as readings were heard and hymns sung.

As a family we need our holiday now. We are all tired. It's been a struggle to get people out of bed in the morning, and small worries have become sparks for arguments. So all of us have been counting down the days, and despairing that the best of the weather seemed to be happening while we were working.

This morning saw most of us on holiday, and while normally we would have long since gone on a motor trip to catch a ferry late tonight, today we were out in the garden - playing, pulling weeds, tasting strawberries, planting vegetables, and spraying the garden and each other with water.

This afternoon I've taken time for my least favourite occupation - ironing. And have made it to the bottom of the pile!

Looking in the washing baskets I've another three loads to wash and iron before we can head of to our own house for our holiday this year.

Perhaps the ironing basket is one of the metaphors for ministry. The pile builds and sometimes we manage to make it to the bottom of that pile - although rarely. Just as we take pleasure in our achievement we are urged on to recognise that another pile beckons us on, and who knows what treats we will find there, or rumpled shirts in need of care and repair.

So I leave behind some unfinished situations this summer again, and hope that those I love will find the strength for the next few weeks. The family and I head off to restore our own strength - not abroad this year as we are saving for a big trip next year - but in North England and North Scotland, as well as a peaceful space of our own along the coast that will allow us to play on the beach and decorate a ceiling.