While Cub Camp is still a recent memory, but not too recent, I hope that you will indulge me, and allow some introspection. As Ewan Aitken commented during the Cubs’ Own service on Sunday morning – why do you come to camp – and the answer – to hang out with your mates. But where does that leave the Aspie, who prefers not to socialise, because he finds it extremely difficult?
It was difficult. In general, I managed for periods of time, then collapsed (inside) and had to find a way to take time out. It might have helped if I had disclosed my condition to the leaders, but there wasn’t an obvious opportunity to do so. If there is to be future involvement, I may have to take that step …
Uncategorized
Well, I can see the wisdom of organising a father / son camp. I think that I was missing family more than home comforts on that first Scout Camp, so that son has had a gentler introduction to the business of camping. That said, both father and son had their wobbly moments – well, son had wobbly moments, dad had a wobbly weekend. I liked the response of one mother (of a girl cub – there were mothers and daughters as well as fathers and sons) – I had just asked her daughter if she was enjoying herself (and she said “yes”), whereupon her mother said, “Don’t ask me, so that I shan’t have to lie!”
Ironically, one of the home comforts I missed this time around was the ability to enjoy a hot bath, but yesterday was our annual service visit, and to-day the boiler isn’t coming on …
Uncategorized
As a boy, I never went to Cub Camp. My first camp was a Scout Camp. I spent almost the duration of that camp looking forward to getting back home at the end. It was homesickness, pure and simple – the camp itself wasn’t that awful.
So this weekend, I attended, with son, my first Cub Camp …
Uncategorized
I really, really wish that I could be going to theProject2: ‘In the Flesh’ this weekend. Instead, I shall be taking part in a father / son Cub Camp at Bonaly …
Journal
The letters arrived through last week. As it happens, the outcome in my case looks favourable – I’ve been put where I would have chosen to go. But some of my colleagues have been given a placement which they are not happy about. And I can understand their feelings.
The weekend has intervened. People have, maybe, had time to think. Not that I have had time to think. There have been highlights, including a rather special family occasion. But immensely tiring, overall …
Journal
We’ve been told that towards the end of next week letters will be sent out telling each of us our destination in the new organisation. A certain sense of relief, and an observation: several times we asked if we would be consulted regarding where we would like to be placed – each time we received an answer that sounded like “yes”, but fell short of an actual commitment – it turns out that the honest, concise answer would have been “no” …
Sometimes my children ask questions to which I’d really like just to say “no”, but to which I often say “maybe” …
Uncategorized
I know that many people, especially here, believe that they were wrong, but the ministers who opposed Scott Rennie’s appointment were the next generation of those who taught me the faith. What they were saying was not directed personally, but sprung from the quaint, old-fashioned notion that what God says carries more weight than public opinion.
In return, I have read the victorious supporters of Scott Rennie use language which is bitter, personal, and humiliating. I happen to welcome the General Assembly’s decision. I even disagree with the moratorium on ordaining gay ministers while the Commission does its work.
But I think that Christians should respect ministers who are only seeking to be faithful …
Uncategorized
For nigh on a year, we have been anticipating significant organisational change. By 1st August, this year (we are told), the new organisational structure (and content) will be in place. The change is coming about following a fundamental review of our area of the business. It isn’t just about who manages us, and who our immediate colleagues are. It affects what we do – it will define what we do.
I have been welcoming this change. I am aware of problems which the review has properly identified, and which are (we are told) being addressed. Of course, at the same time, change is unsettling. But we hope that the brave new world we are entering will be better than the old one.
Except that it is now the 2nd of June. For my own sanity, I have to acknowledge that a change which was to take a year, and which has yet to begin, is a change which now shouldn’t be happening. Perhaps it will, perhaps it won’t. But as I try to work through the resounding silence, I have to change what I believe. Maybe I can start to insist that we make our own changes, within the existing framework, to make our working lives bearable.
Or, maybe, it’s just me, and everyone else is happy …
Uncategorized
Thank you all for your kind comments. Portobello beach was looking quite different on Saturday – where did all these people come from (sorry, no photo; I didn’t have my camera with me this time …)?
Uncategorized