Big excitement and big scary. There are times when life changes because circumstances do; and there are times when we change the circumstances on which our lives are built. We moved to Paisley in 2002, sensing the call of God as I took up the appointment as Principal of our College. It has always been our intention to retire to Aberdeen, and we knew we would review our life situation once Sheila retired which she did in August 2008.
The main question was whether we might return to pastoral ministry or I would continue in my current vocational place in the College. For all kinds of reasons it still feels right to stay with the College through the next phases of transition and development. A letter has gone out to all our churches explaining all this as best any of us can explain the movements of God in our lives, and the impact of that on life itself. One thing being a pastor for most of my working life has taught me, is that God's will is nothing like as clearly discerned as many a piece of advice offered with uncomplicated confidence might suggest. That nearly always means that decisions aren't straightforward either.
Several months ago, after careful consultations with others, and "not a little prayer", we decided the time had come to move back and make our home in Aberdeen. Sheila will be able to reconnect with important networks of friends, professional colleagues, and be part of the place to which we will eventually retire.
I will be in College most of the working week, but also working from home in relation to College administration, representation and academic research. I have accommodation (hospitality) near the College and will do what a lot of people are now able to do - work from more than one base, and make the diversity an advantage. We are fully aware of the implications, (as far as foresight and responsible forward planning can make us), and possible challenges, though obviously they have to be lived through in order to work them out finally and fruitfully.
The immediate result is that we have recently confirmed the sale of our house in Ralston and have now bought a new home in Westhill, a few miles west of Aberdeen. We will be relocated before Easter. Readers of this blog will be aware that my own view of life is informed by a deep sense of the serious fun and responsive risk-taking that is a life offered daily in the service of God and in faithful following after Christ, urged on and attracted forward by the Spirit who is the antidote for staleness, stagnation and stuckness! So. Big excitement and big scary. Not sure if I should say Lord have mercy or thanks be to God! Probaly a liturgical rhythm of both over the next few weeks and months would ensure that the benefits and frustrations are appropriately acknowledged!
Thinking of and praying for you both as you make the transition to The Dons country.
Posted by: Jason Goroncy | February 11, 2010 at 01:38 AM
All blessings in the changes...
Posted by: Ruth Gouldbourne | February 11, 2010 at 08:02 AM
Have a good move... and there's always a welcome for you both at The Gathering Place if you're over this way.
Posted by: Catriona | February 11, 2010 at 10:25 AM
all the best for your forthcoming move!
Posted by: lynn | February 11, 2010 at 10:45 AM
Thanks for the good wishes - we are now in the in between stages of waiting. And also aware dates are coming towards us quickly.
Posted by: Jim Gordon | February 12, 2010 at 06:03 AM
Praying for you as you face the upheaval of moving house [and moving all those books!!]
Posted by: ang almond | February 12, 2010 at 06:27 PM