Thanks for praying

I mentioned in the service last night the need for prayer for one of my family in Sri-Lanka - Beven Benjamin - the son of Keith Benjamin.

Keith is my cousin but considers me a brother - relationships are like that in Sri-Lanka. He is a pastor of a church out there.

Beven is 9 years old.

I've spoken to them both this morning - there is a need to further investigate two lumps on his head near the ear and eye, there is a possibility of very bad news and a real possibility of very good news.

One outcome might be that the right treatment will be performed best in South India and the family are looking into that now.

Thanks for praying

UPDATE 15:30 - just heard by email that both parents and Beven will fly to India tomorrow. Not sure what that means.

New start

We often talk about how September feels like a new year - new start in many ways. This year in particular I am aware of people starting new jobs, new courses, new schools and new things.

I recently re-read this poem by Ted Loader and it seemed to capture the moment.

I love the phrase 'tremble on the edge of a maybe', I believe God is there with me when I tremble like that.

“I Tremble on the Edge of a Maybe”

O God of beginnings, as your Spirit moved over the face of the deep on the first day of creation,

move with me now in my time of beginnings,

when the air is rain-washed, the bloom is on the bush, and the world seems fresh and full of possibilities, and I feel ready and full.

I tremble on the edge of a maybe, a first time, a new thing, a tentative start,

and the wonder of it lays its finger on my lips.

In silence, Lord, I share now my eagerness, and my uneasiness about this something different I would be or do;

and I listen for your leading to help me separate the light from the darkness in the change I seek to shape and which is shaping me. Amen.