Looking Back, Looking Forward

It's been pointed out that over a month has passed since I last posted. I think David was the first to mention "Blog Guilt" in Psalm 51:14 - I know what he meant now!

As a family we all spent the weekend back in our home town and I joined in with my home band's visit to a local corps to lead meetings. It was good to be back in my old seat and to enjoy the fellowship of the band once again. On top of that I was just there to play my trombone and, apart from leading one song, I didn't have anything to do on the platform. Prior to coming to college one of my roles was to lead worship and preach if the band were leading the meetings anywhere. On this occasion I was able to sit under the ministry of my successor in that role - and very well he did, too.

It is true that I miss playing, and although I still enjoy the more limited expression of banding we have here at college that generally involves me in conducting rather than playing. I also have to admit that I was itching to be on the platform, despite the fact that it was good to sit back. As I sat with old friends someone asked me if it felt different. It did, but I think that is because I am different. Going back helps me to realise the extent to which the college experience has been, and continues to be, transformational. I am still a long way short of being who God wants me to be, but I am increasingly thankful for the opportunity of personal growth and reflection that college affords.

As we took part in worship, Salvation Army leaders were gathering at Sunbury for the Appointments Conference. This will determine where Lynley and I will be appointed next year. I remain fairly relaxed about that - believing that God will work through, and maybe in spite of, the process to place us where He wants us, but as I spent a weekend thinking back, I couldn't avoid thinking forward at the same time.

Today we started to think about what we really mean by Salvation - past, present and future. Still working through all that but I know that God has led me this far, is working in me now, and has my future within His care.

God is good - All the time.