It is easy to believe we are ready for vocational ministry when the desire grows within. But, what we invariably require is the full-orbed challenge accompanying each movement of life’s unfolding time. There is one word that describes: maturation. It has got to be good for you. What arrives as each living context unfolds and more resonantly connects, which intersects your personal with the rest of humanity, while also challenging your own faithful and fruitful embrace of the Gospel, through a true Christian worldview. While it is theoretically not supernaturally impossible to be all things to all people, it generally finds more substance when you become exposed to a new-for-you, there-is-nothing-new-under-the-sun experience; forced to journey and work your way out. I have read that the greatest test of pastoral readiness is how a Dad pastor’s his Family. It sounds solid in theory, but it becomes more personally conversant when practiced. I have often said that the greatest challenge in parenting is not the children, but what “happens” inside when the moments unfurl like a banner into your life, and the spelling has gone kid-crazzzyyyy, and they’ve used permanent marker. Just like at those times, we should be thankful that the impact does not fade like a good barber shop, as God can translate the appearance of graffiti into His poetic art-form. You often just need the eyes to see it. Through this process, your life is put on a whole new stage, as this is a 24/7 calling, demanding your very best self-less redemptive concentration, even when you don’t “feel” like it. Sorta sounds like the ideal preparation when you are dealing with Someone else’s children… God’s! And so it has proven, which continues.
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The facials say it all. I look at this image and see the summit of the humanly-defined contentment zone. It profoundly encapsulates this Covenant of Love in life’s earthly movement. Of the many words I could offer about Shannon’s impact into my life, this could nearly prove enough. She remains a veritable sign of God’s grace, which only grows, as we age.
The Queen looking majestic, out of the photo album, on the Wedding Day. The original is one of my favourite images of our day. Formal and regal. Yet, creative and distinctive. Evocative contrast and composition. This is my image of the image. Following in the footsteps of RELOVUTIONARY.
A bit dated, and minus the biggest lad, but the King Family; looking rather sharp, but more from a technological sense. Poor old phone-camera was properly ancient at this point.
And speaking of such, here they are, in all their recent glory, on Father’s Day 2018. J-I is not entirely awake at this stage, but he is doing his best. And just so you get a full picture of their effect, I decided to include what is next, because there is some craziness in the Kingdom.
And they most definitely are…