I know, I know, I’m so late with my weekly update. I am sitting in the back of our car while Rachel is bombing down the motorway as we return my mum after her little break with us. Also I find myself reflecting on our current mixed up church life.
Now I don’t want you to think I’m talking about a problem, it’s just we are darting around at the moment. We still look to our church in Dunstable as our home church, where we are thankful for the many long standing friendships, the general buzz and huge range of activities which comes with a large church.
It is also where we can hear a good sermon, although sometimes I struggle with the long, repetitive nature of some. I yearn for sermons where I hear more practical application of the teaching – how can this change my life, my outlook and so on?
We continue to be involved with the village Anglican Church having had an enthusiastic welcome. I have even found my way into the Youth Group which suddenly makes me feel a tad old.
This last Sunday, we went to Stopsley Baptist Church in Luton, following the invitation of a friend. A group there have formed an “eco church” and had led the service, giving much thought to how we, as Christians, should consider different ways of living. Naturally this is all in response to the COP26 goings on and the emergency which is unfolding.
As you will have gathered, my mother has been staying with us for a little while. It is nice having her around and I think she likes us taking charge and getting things done. I had attended the AGM of the management company concerning her block of flats which is normally a happy place to be. It is now astonishing how grown, mature adults can have such petty spats and how this upsets the whole community there. I would quite like to step in as a peace maker, if I had the opportunity. In other settings I have found myself trying to build bridges between opposing sides and I wonder if I still have the knack?
Last week I had my latest kidney check up. I am very happy to say things are going well, surprisingly well. Three years ago I was told my kidneys would not recover and yet they have improved to the point where I feel less symptoms. However, I still have depleted kidney function and need to take good care of myself, which I do. I am thinking I can now escape the need for dialysis or a transplant and the myriad of problems with wrong mineral and hormone levels, all controlled by the kidneys. However, the biggest issue is blood pressure which is inexorably linked to kidney performance but happily this is under control.
I am so thankful I am “in the renal system”. I feel well looked after and regularly have a huge variety of tests which is very helpful in getting a good view of what’s happening inside my skin!
Speaking of problems, my right foot. I have mentioned this before and it’s a running injury. Just as well I’m having an X-ray in a few weeks which will help determine the issue. If it’s a bone problem, which it might be, I will need to stop running for a while. So with that in mind I have dusted off my bike and treated myself to some winter gloves to clock up a few miles. Even in the winter months there is scope for some fantastic weather and beautiful scenery lit by the low sun. I’ve already had my first ride, hopefully to tell you more next time.
In the Quirky Museum I have cleared out the cellar a little more and have put up a tool board. This is a long overdue step towards having a little workshop there – I need to keep all of the DIY stuff in one place.
I have also needed to re-lay some of the bricks on the floor and have filled the gaps with sand. When I look at the worn stone steps I wonder how many different people have been here over the years. The cellar is almost 200 years old, so young compared to other parts and yet I still cannot help but wonder. Who were they, what did they do? How did they lead their lives, what did they use the cellar for?