learning...

Well as you will see below Rachel and I have a new addition to the family a beagle puppy. Now I knew that life would change, but what a change it is! It is so every different from just living with the two of you in the house. You can do and go where you like when you like, you can be out every night all night, visit friend on the spur of the moment. Now we have to give thought to someone who relies on us for food, exercise, love/affection & play all to aid growth and a healthy dog.

I actually don't think that this is a bad thing but in fact a very good thing. We can still see friends etc it is just it will take more planning from now on. It has given me a valuable insight into the lives of those who have to care for other who are dependant on them, whether it is children, elderly parents/relatives, the disabled etc...

I always thought that I was good at trying to understand the way that such people had to juggle life but now I'm not so sure. It was always a frustration as a pastor who is trying to motivate the church to think bigger and reach wider in our town when people were late for meeting or cancelled due to the need of other. I think from now on I will see with different eyes and empathy when "things happen" that don't go to plan. I still think we need to be on time and plan but not everything can be planned for!

Having Rusty will also provide a great opportunity for me and Rachel to meet people who do not yet know Jesus as we walk the dog around the parks. It will be our aim over time to build up sufficient relational bridges with the dog owners world of West Bromwich to see people enter the kingdom of God. Walking Rusty will give me time to think and pray that I would not otherwise get because I would fill my time with being busy. This life change is not going to cause me to work any less hard but it is going to force me to work smarter and more strategically - which will not only be good for me and Rachel in strengthening our marriage further which I value more than anything but ultimately the church that I lead under the guiding and leading of the Holy Spirit.

This is not going to be easy but it is going to be worth it!

till next time...