A day with family and team

Mar 6, 2013

7.30am The words of the Celtic blessing we say most mornings has special significance as we send Daniel off to his job interview as a music teacher.  “May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors”.

9.15am David, one of my staff team, arrives.  Over the years David has come to me with theological questions, but now he can give me a run for my money theologically.  Today was personal.  Healing and transformation, transparency and accountability, facing the truth about ourselves, sharing our life stories, a meeting of hearts and minds.

11am Following my Feb 5th encounter, Joel and I have an appointment at the Business School.  The Stafford hospital debacle has helped galvanize a new NHS leadership academy, and Birmingham Business School has won a bid to deliver training at the top two levels.  Andy thinks God may just have placed him at the right place at the right time.  Our Habits of the Heart and Relationships Courses may be appropriate for the very senior people.  Joel suggests I should do a spiritual inventory with Andy.  Andy agrees we should schedule that.

1pm I arrive at the house of a professional musician to conduct a spiritual inventory.  We met a few weeks ago.  After asking him 54 questions he wants to know more about me.  So what is “Agape”?  His experience of Christians has been largely of people who judge his lifestyle.  He is also struggling to know how to respond to his brother who is dying.  I talk briefly about a God who loves every person deeply, passionately, sacrificially.  I talk briefly about the resurrection of Jesus which demonstrates that even death and destruction can be overcome.  He’s not sure about the bible.  We will meet again.

3pm I do a “drive-by” signing at a doctors’ surgery.  Paul is a GP and director of Real Deal, and we need signatures for a new bank account.  Carol, Paul and I have a moment together in Paul’s surgery signing papers, joking about his ancient medical instruments, then we are off.

4pm I return a missed call from Rezi.  She can’t wait to hear about the business school appointment, and is excited.  The Real Deal “readiness assessment” process has begun.  She has had a heavy morning of active listening and is exhausted.  We agree she needs someone safe and distant to talk to get some external input on some of the things she is hearing.  I will make a call.

4.30pm I swing by the business school to pick up a claim form for Rezi’s recent undergraduate leadership teaching which I forgot earlier.  When I drop it in to her home she is fast asleep.

6.00pm I cook dinner and listen to some of Jane’s challenges.  Today Jane has been seeking to support two ministers, one where she works, one where she worships. It’s been a demanding day for her too.

8.00pm I have a blazing row in public with one of our church members.  But it’s OK.  It’s a drama – part of the Relationships Course I’m teaching at our church.  Tonight’s session is on assertion and humility.  Jane and Lucy sort the refreshments and wash up.  Their support is invaluable.

10pm Home at last.  We sit and relax a little together before heading for bed.  It’s been a long day, but a very productive one.