24-7 Christmas Lunch!

Here's us... enjoying a traditional 24-7 Christmas lunch in our new local, The Banker, on the banks of a murky River Thames. They'd run out of turkey, so Andy and I opted for the festive Christmas tuna-lasagne. (?)

For some strange reason Pete 'Doc' Ward managed to avoid being individually photographed... but here's the rest of us... Carla, Dan and Charlotte... George, Andy and Alana... Emma, Claire and Andrea... and me;

Sometime during the meal, Carla called down from the other end of the table to suggest we 'raise a toast'. I fumbled around a bit, not really knowing what to say... not really knowing how to express the sobriety I felt in that moment amongst all the fun and laughter and affectionate teasing. I opted, safely, for 'Jesus', to which we all raised our glasses and agreed.

Had I a little bit more courage in that moment, I would have ignored the teasing and said something about my love and respect and gratitude for everyone around that table... I would have looked at each of those friends, one at a time, and said "I love you". And I would have said something about how deeply grateful I am for many of the wider 24-7prayer family, in the UK and so many beyond these shores. Maybe I would have said something about this extraordinary journey we've all become swept up into as well.

It frightens me sometimes. It makes me feel vulnerable and exposed and stretched beyond my capacity to cope. And yet it also thrills me and excites me and fills me with wonder...

What keeps me on this journey, however... what holds me true, faithful, consistent, steadfast, isn't my strength of will or conviction (which are pitiful sometimes). It is these friends, and others like them.

And so, although the moment has long past, I shall raise the glass beside me... to you. Thank you, for the million different ways that you have encouraged and shaped me, the ways you have revealed and been Jesus to me. Thank you. Peace be with you...

Comments

[Sheena]

Nothing says Christmas like tuna-lasagne!