Dear friends,
When I was a teacher, the term after Easter was always more relaxed – the weather was good, the children were well into the swing of things and generally it was a time of jogging along whilst feeling we were getting somewhere! I am rather hoping for a similar vibe this May – and it’s looking promising!
As a Vestry we have been holding many projects in our hands waiting on decisions from other people… waiting for permissions… and at last we seem to be seeing movement and progression! Our pillar, which was pushed too far by a lorry is on the way to being rebuilt, with the company responsible agreeing to foot the bill. Win, one! The noticeboard at the front of the church now has council advertising permission and also clearance from the Diocese – so hopefully will be in place very soon. Win, two! The grants from the Diocese and Province to pay for the complete installation of secondary glazing for the Rectory have now been given. Win, three! And the windows of the Trinity Centre and Rectory will be repainted, alongside a couple of doors. Win, four! Of course the work pertaining to the Western Extension is still ongoing – but the feasibility survey has been completed and it is hoped that the architect will come soon and speak to you all after a Sunday service about what is planned. Of course we know that grants will have to be applied for and planning permission sought – East Lothian planners are known to be notoriously pernickety! But we’re getting there!
Thanks go to the Vestry and congregational members who have persevered and helped with all of these. Often projects in the church move very slowly. And there are times when I wonder whether I was actually ordained to become ‘Bob the Builder’! But we support each other and Vestry members are very good at taking on the majority of this work.
As I reflect on these projects, I am learning that God’s time is not always ours and certainly not mine! I am beginning to appreciate the value of quiet perseverance in the practical issues of life as well as the spiritual… that waiting on God is active and expectant… and calls for a trust in God’s faithfulness. I have found that, instead of succumbing to frustration, a more healthy way is to hold any sense of control lightly whilst doing whatever is necessary for the next step. I have found myself often repeating the well known prayer:
‘God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.’
If taken onboard this prayer helps to make any waiting time positive and fruitful, rather than frustrating and irritating. And that makes for a much happier outlook!
with love, Liz