So here it is 2011 and this is going to be one big year. Why? Well first and foremost after 26 years with Hampshire County Council I have volunteered for and have been accepted for voluntary redundancy in March/April time. It has been on the cards for some time. As a Christian I am a firm believer that there is a God personally interested in each one of us and that He wants me to step out in faith into something new. I'm too young by 2 years to be able to retire and the redundancy settlement won't pay off the mortgage. So it either means downsizing, living by faith and/or finding another paying job. Haven't got anything clear in mind yet but a few ideas. I have clear evidence previously as well as faith that God will provide so no anxiety. But I would be lying if I didn't say I have some fear mixed with excitement that some may interpret as anxiety about the future.
Other big events? I said goodbye to Ben our 18 yr old this morning at Southampton Central railway station as he heads off to his duties at 45 Commando in Arbroath north of Dundee. He joins Zulu Company and believes they will be off to Afghanistan in March around his 19th birthday. More fear there but again I trust the Lord. We have talked about what may happen. Things like this focus one's mind. I have no doubt God goes before him.
Less fear about Josh returning to Nottingham Uni to continue with his Mech. Eng. Degree. He has amazed me by his hard work revising for exams. He's aiming for a first. "Why else go?" he says. His Christian faith is strong and an example to me! His 6 months with YWAM in Namibia changed him enormously. Mostly for the better in my view.
There is some fear over Sam. He starts his Saints Academy scholarship in July. Full time football and sports study. I enjoy football far more now than I used to. In a strictly couch potato and sideline supporter way you understand. But I fear it is a corrupt and corrupting sport. The fear is that Sam will be corrupted by it. My prayer is he won't. He certainly has the football gifting and ability to make it but does he have the character. I fear I haven't helped enough in that area. As a dad one has responsibility to set your sons (and daughters) a good example. We will probably stay in Southampton even though Sam could go into digs at the expense of Southampton Football Club.
Kathy is likely to remain a bread winner and may go full time. A major change for me may be doing much more housework to relieve that pressure from Kath. Guess it depends in plans God has.
So the next couple of months will be a time to look for God's plan and to discover where my hearts desires and passions lie. One of my favourite verses will be at the forefront of my prayers and thinking. Proverbs 3 verse 5-7
"5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil."
As I said 2011 will be a big year.
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1 comment:
I have only just realised:
1. My blog is sparse
2. It has no focus or story
3. I have had comments! Sorry people.
The plan is now to focus on recording how 2011 goes so my New Years resolution is to do at least a monthly updtae focused on how God leads me. I doubt it will have much if anything to do with IT or Learning Platforms but we shall see!
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